An operations consultant provides guidance or reorganizes aspects of a company’s operations. He or she might create data management, disaster recovery, or operational continuity plans. Workers in this field may also assist a company in developing outsourcing or supply-chain management strategies. Another activity that may necessitate the involvement of an operations consultant is the reconfiguration of manufacturing processes, such as when a company transitions to lean manufacturing. Companies frequently use the skills of these consultants by bringing them on board to serve as a chief operations officer on a temporary basis (COO).
Reconfiguring operations as a company or organization grows is a common occurrence. Small changes in operations can result in a significant increase in a company’s profits. Manufacturing processes are often highly technical. The cost of an operations consultant may be justified if the company discovers ways to improve its operations.
Many different types of organizations may hire an operations consultant to get advice on the most efficient and viable ways to change operations in a positive way. If a boat manufacturer, for example, expands from a small niche selling canoes and kayaks to a line of single-engine high-performance boats, the retooling required to make such a change may exhaust the company’s existing workforce. Furthermore, a consultant’s knowledge and experience may far exceed that of the firm’s own employees.
Natural or man-made disasters strike organizations, just as they do families. Having a plan in place for a variety of disaster scenarios that could occur could save a company’s life if one occurs. Companies that fail to prepare for disasters, such as a flood, a major scandal, or the threat of a hostile takeover, risk going out of business. An operations consultant usually has the knowledge and skills necessary to devise a viable plan to avoid such a situation.
Companies that outsource their manufacturing operations, as well as those that rely on consistent supply chains, may hire an operations consultant to review them and make recommendations for improving stability and efficiency. These consultants help businesses develop outsourcing strategies to take advantage of labor cost differences. They may also assist a company in avoiding pitfalls, such as overlooking an exposure to a violation of immigration laws. Furthermore, a consultant may dig deeper into the research than a member of the company’s staff has time to do, and as a result, the company’s supply chain may be exposed to a major threat. For example, a large vendor may be on the verge of going bankrupt, and the company may be completely unaware of the situation.