Expert Consulting: Operations Management

Growth requires forward-looking planning. However, the pandemic and other events have shown how quickly business requirements can change. Companies therefore need to make their processes increasingly flexible. One solution is sales and operations planning (S&OP), which aligns operational business functions in such a way that growth targets remain achievable even in times of high volatility. Our expert explains how S&OP works and how you can implement it.

Cost optimization is crucial in competition, but the usual instruments harbour risks. What is needed instead are targeted measures to improve process quality.

The logistics industry has been experiencing a wave of mergers and acquisitions for years - driven by the e-commerce boom, rising energy costs and regulatory pressure. However, many transactions fail during the integration phase. If you want to leverage sustainable synergies, you need to prepare post-merger integration professionally: from key figure analysis and cultural comparison to clearly defined target structures.

Business mobility is an integral part of a working world characterized by hybrid working models. Smart travel management is needed to ensure that business travel costs don't get out of hand.

Even if the environment becomes more difficult: China will remain a key player in the global market - especially for industrial companies. But what is important when it comes to production at Chinese locations? Our expert explains this using the example of LCD production.

Many plant and building operators make a distinction between industrial maintenance and technical facility management. However, integrating both areas has many advantages, explains our technical operations specialist.

Batam is one of the fastest growing high-tech locations in Southeast Asia. A favorable location, modern infrastructure and generous tax benefits make the city attractive to foreign investors. But is it also worthwhile for medium-sized companies to set up a production site there? An interview with our start-up management expert and Batam connoisseur.

"Lean management" has degenerated into a buzzword. But the basic principles have lost none of their sharpness.

The current ongoing crises are not only shaking up old certainties, but often also require business models and processes to be adapted. Companies can therefore not avoid the digitalization of business processes. However, the implementation of such projects is notoriously tricky and makes medium-sized companies in particular hesitate. That doesn't have to be the case, explains our Industry 4.0 specialist

The standardization of a food product portfolio is often viewed critically, despite the prospect of cost reductions, a shorter time-to-market and growth. When it comes to implementation, it is therefore not just a matter of gaining the trust of stakeholders.

In the manufacturing industry, consistent supply chain quality is essential for survival. The complexity of supply chains has increased significantly in recent years. Solutions that only take individual links in the chain into account will no longer get companies anywhere, says our supply chain management expert.

Purchasing services is an effective tool for increasing competitiveness and growth, especially in SMEs. However, those who make the wrong make-or-buy decisions are often faced with higher overall costs.

When it comes to reducing costs, customer service is also regularly considered. However, many companies shy away from reducing service costs: the risk of annoying customers and overworking service employees is too great. That doesn't have to be the case, says our customer service expert.

Purchasing is still underestimated: Many consider it to be just a corporate division that is supposed to secure supply chains or achieve further savings. However, purchasing only reveals its true potential as an interface manager that coordinates operational processes between different parts of the company. It is therefore high time to take purchasing optimization seriously. But how exactly should companies proceed with the strategic transformation of their procurement? Our expert advises the following steps.

Working with reliable EMS service providers is vital for the survival of many companies - and this will not change any time soon: According to a study by the ifo Institute in August 2021, German companies will continue to rely on global supply chains - partly because reshoring production would be very cost-intensive. But how do you find a suitable EMS service provider? Our expert explains.

Procurement makes a significant value contribution to the business result - provided the department takes its strategic role seriously. But how do companies develop the purchasing department in this direction? Our purchasing expert knows the answer.

If you want to produce for the international market, you will have to transfer your production technology to globally distributed locations sooner or later. This involves overcoming complex technical and social challenges.

For many companies, it is clear that they need to redefine their supply chain strategies. Poland is likely to play a key role in this. After all, it is only a stone's throw from the production facilities in Germany.

Building a global service footprint allows machine manufacturers to clearly set themselves apart from their competitors. But, as always, the devil is in the detail. Our expert for capital goods explains what steps need to be taken.

China is becoming increasingly interesting as an investment location. One challenge here is quality assurance, says our China expert. This makes it all the more important to adapt quality management to local conditions.

Procurement is currently facing many challenges. In order to generate added value in the future, it needs to change - in many areas at the same time. Our procurement specialist explains how this can be achieved.

In some business circles, the opinion persists that relocating production abroad is ultimately not worthwhile. But in reality, relocating production is a far from exhausted strategy for securing a clear advantage over competitors. It is crucial that companies recognize the associated potential and opportunities. So when is relocation really worthwhile?