Preparing for capacity consolidation: Plan Phase

October 15, 2020

Welcome back to our series on successfully completing a Relocation & Consolidation Activity. In this third article covering Seraph’s Move Methodology, we present several of the key steps in successfully completing Phase 2: Plan. The overall Move Methodology is composed of four phases: Align, Plan, Execute, and Closure, shown in Figure 1 – MOVE Methodology Overview below.

 

Article Photo- Align Plan Execute CloseFigure 1 – MOVE Methodology Overview

Our first two articles focused on the keys to successfully aligning the project requirements between all parties. The key components of that first phase are:

  • Feasibility Analysis
  • Model Development
  • High-Level Project Plan
  • Process Transfer Strategy
  • Product Family Transfer Strategy
  • Supply Chain Transfer Strategy

This first phase is responsible for producing several important outputs:

  • High-Level Management Plan: How progress will be measured and communicated to high-level stakeholders
  • Operational Models: How the team will be structured
  • Project Office: Where the team meets daily to review KPIs and take action to keep the project on track

Product and Process Workstreams

During the Plan Phase, the team must confront the details.  The simplest way to understand the Product and Process Workstreams concept is through graphic representation. In Figure 2 – MOVE Methodology Project Structure, each distinct product workstream (noted by the vertical blue bars) is managed individually through the core business of process workstreams (noted by the horizontal grey bars).   For each unique customer or product workstream, the appointed leader will plan on how to address all processes needed to support the successful move of the product.

Article Photo- Product and Process Workstreams

Figure 2 – MOVE Methodology Project Structure

For example, if product A is being moved from facility X to facility Y, the workstream leader will need to understand and plan, with a team to support, for all aspects. In the MOVE Methodology, we utilize several categories, including:

  • Commercial
  • Human Resources
  • IT/ERP
  • Manufacturing/Production
  • Logistics/Supply Chain
  • Finance
  • Quality/Regulatory

This process is repeated for each product group. Depending on the scope of the move (e.g. the number of products and locations), a relocation and consolidation project can grow large in both scope and team requirements. Done correctly, the planning phase will result in a detailed management plan and product/process workstream plans.

  • The Product Workstreams must focus on carrying out the detailed activities to achieve the successful transfer/addition of physical products, equipment, and technology.
  • Process Workstreams will focus on the transfer and provision of the support functions and will provide co-ordination across the activities of the product workstreams. Process Workstreams will also be responsible for carrying out the practical and legal activities relating to the closure of the clients’ sites.

The workstreams are controlled, integrated and supported by a Core Team made up of project-level leadership. The Core Team is overseen by a Steering Committee of senior business stakeholders. 

 

Effectively Creating Detailed Plans

Creating detailed project plans requires a cross-functional team with the right framework. The tools and processes used to carry out these detailed plans blend standard project management tools with specific knowledge. The Seraph MOVE Methodology provides such a framework and utilizes an extensive checklist and toolset developed through years of experience managing production transfers, expansions, and reductions. When executed correctly, these plans lead to a successful outcome.

 

Conclusion

The plan phase of Seraph’s MOVE Methodology builds on the strategic alignment between Seraph and the client. In this second phase, the details begin to come together to understand what the team will accomplish, including both interim and final deliverables. It is in this phase that the details behind Who? What? and When? come into view using traditional project management tools. Once the master plans are in place, the team can move on to execution, which will be the subject of our next article.

 

 

About Seraph 

A global enterprise consulting firm that partners with business leaders to handle their most complex problems in areas such as supply chain, operations, and manufacturing challenges while delivering long-term operational and leadership improvements. Seraph has extensive on-site industry experience in the automotive, private equity, defense, medical device, electronics, energy infrastructure, and engineering sectors. The Seraph leadership team brings vast expertise across; crisis management, mergers, acquisitions, due diligence, restructuring, turn-around services, product launches, and logistics. Our four-phase process has been proven to provide quick payback and positive ROI, which is measured throughout customer engagement. Learn more at www.seraph.com and follow Seraph on LinkedIn.

Related Articles

Majid Arefi joins Seraph’s Europe Business Development Team

Majid Arefi joins Seraph’s Europe Business Development Team

Seraph is delighted to announce the appointment of Majid Arefi as the new Director of Business Development for Europe. Based in Germany, Majid will be instrumental in creating new business opportunities and driving Seraph's continued growth and global expansion. With...