All consultancy retainers are typically structured according to a systematic, practice-approved consultation process consisting of six consultation phases:
Throughout the entire duration of the retainer, we manage your project via our specially developed I-Room © project management tool.
1. Analysis
The consultation process of any retainer starts with an analysis phase, in which we record and document the CURRENT situation in your company. First, we collect and analyse all the relevant data and information about your logistics system. Then we check your logistics processes and evaluate the CURRENT situation as well as potentials for change. In this phase of the consultation process we identify and point out the trouble spots and the potential for improvement of your logistics system in order to derive strategies of optimisation from the findings.
2. Concept
In the second phase of the consultation process we develop concepts that bridge the gap from the Current to possible TARGET situations and eliminate trouble spots of your logistics system. Of course, the TARGET situation is developed in line with the clients' specifications and in close cooperation with the staff responsible for the processes in the long-term.
3. Procurement
Tender management is dealt with in the procurement phase. At this stage, for the first time throughout the consultation retainer, a third party is involved in the form of suppliers or service providers, who help implement the concepts previously developed by supplying products or services.
We assume the preparation and evaluation of the tender and the evaluation of the system for all the services required to complete the project, as well as the negotiations including the review of contracts. In this process we keep all tender documents either anonymous or official.
Once we have conducted final negotiations with the service providers on behalf of your company, we provide an assessment based on our own or your individual criteria and share our objective view and/or recommendation.
4. Project planning
The project planning phase may begin once the choice of service provider or supplier has been made. The requirements of time, costs and resources are identified as the obligations on the part of all parties involved are set out. For the purpose of high project quality we create a process organisational chart and a matrix of responsibilities. Project planning is concluded by generating a risk analysis outlining the risk factors that could occur during the implementation of the project as well as their weighting and probability. If there are concerns over the project we develop employee-friendly communication concepts, which generally promote the acceptance of the system.
5. Implementation
The operational changes in your company’s processes do not take place until the penultimate phase, the implementation phase. It is basically up to you whether the concept is to be applied as a whole or at intervals to specific individual departments. Throughout the entire implementation phase, we assume responsibility for the control, supervision and monitoring of the implementation and commissioning of the concept.
Our focus is on mediation between all parties involved and on the constant monitoring of the CURRENT to TARGET transition to ensure the quality of the implementation process. Furthermore, we also monitor the progress of implementation and the current costs, which are continuously compared with the target situation.
6. Acceptance check of services
The successful completion of our consultancy retainer is part of the final consultation phase, the acceptance check of services. We firstly check the status of all process changes and monitor, on your behalf, the seamless operation of the new system and/or the new processes in your company. We ultimately hand over responsibility for the new processes by highlighting the modifications. Moreover, we offer no-obligation training for your staff to familiarise with the new processes and changes, as well as their function and operation in your company.