Axios Business Review – Rapidly Identifying Improvement Plans

Many companies are well run and profitable.  Many of these companies never think to check whether they could, in fact, improve their efficiency and profitability. Or whether they have some underlying problems which have not become apparent yet.   Even if there are no opportunities for improvement, it must be reassuring to know that.  A bit like going for a health check-up.  If there is something wrong then it’s better to tackle it quickly.  If there isn’t then it gives renewed energy to continue with what you’re doing.

That’s why Axios has introduced a number of business “health checks”.  These are aimed at those companies which, although they may have no obvious problems, want to ensure that they are performing at the top of their game.  This is especially useful for companies that are expanding, as the impact of growth on the operation can catch people unaware.  Typically, no plans are put in place to meet the growth and then the operation starts to creak with an almost inevitable reduction in service and efficiency.  “Excellent” companies never sit on their laurels – they are always checking whether things could be improved.

The Axios “Business Review” gives an assessment of all aspects of the business.  This will be tailored to the needs of the specific company and can be in depth or just ‘headlines’.  Our approach comprises a mixture of questioning, analysis, observation and discussion.  From this we produce an executive summary giving an assessment of each element of the business including, where appropriate, recommendations for improvement.

Our Methodology
Axios has a unique blend of business analysis tools, experience and pragmatism to disseminate business information and to identify opportunities. Information will be obtained from business managers, appropriate level employees and hard data with all information available being considered in context.

All areas highlighted in our review matrix will be included both individually and how they interact with other areas.

Our very strong belief is that it is critical to remain open minded at all stages of our information collection, and we request a “right to roam” in all our clients organisations in order to investigate further information as appropriate.

Following the information collection Axios will formulate a set of hypotheses which will then be validated with the appropriate level staff. This validated information will then be discussed in detail with the business manager and further clarification made if required.

Your Outcome
Following a review, Axios will provide a concise road map of action focusing on areas of the business where the most benefit will be achieved. Each area of improvement will be prioritised and appropriate timescales suggested. Where further research is required this will be identified. Equally, where an improvement is business critical, this will be emphasised.

CHECKLIST OF ACTIVITIES REVIEWED
Business area	Business activity element reviewed	TYPE OF REVIEW
		Full business review	Crisis review	Growth review	Stress review	Cost reduction review	Operational review	Service review	Supply chain review	Pre-business sale review
		This is an in-depth review of all aspects of the business aimed at profit and service improvement	Covers most activities in a business and provides for quick assessment of problems and areas for swift attention	Covers activities that drive growth	This focuses on areas of the business where stress and tension is effecting the business performance	covers activities that provide biggest opportunity for cost reduction	Covers activities relatint to the operaional aspects of business i.e. Production and supply chain.	Covers activities that impact most highly on customer service	Covers activities relating to movement of goods	This is an in-depth review of all aspects of the business aimed at providing the sales value of the business
Production	Product Design
	Production
	Production planning
Procurement	Materials procurement
	Suppliers
	Contracts
Logistics	In-bound logistics
	Warehousing
	Inventory
	Out-bound logistics
	Service performance
Systems	Order processing
	Resource planning
Sales & Marketing	Marketing
	Sales
	Sales & Operations Planning
Human Resources	Organisation Structure
	HR Policy
Business Relationship	Internal
	External
Management Information	Accounts
	KPIs
	P&L