SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS
How it works The unique aspect of Outliers ' Lean and Six Sigma program is that it is based in a mining environment . The data is from real mines , and the case studies are from mining operations . Outliers also run the training on site , identifying and highlighting opportunities for improvement . In addition to the training , clients get coaching and mentoring from experienced mining professionals on how to deliver that program .
When it comes to their performance management program , it ' s bespoke because mining is dynamic and every mine is unique .
" We come in and do an assessment and we identify specifically the actions that will increase performance or reduce costs ," says Jewson . " We normally see a jump in performance within the first four to six weeks . Depending on the areas of focus , we generally see the bulk of the improvement around the three to four-month mark .
" The remaining months are the sustainability phase where we ensure that everything is properly handed over to the client , that all the processes are truly embedded , and the owners of these systems are fully trained . Typically , when we come in , we identify improvement opportunities in the range of 11 to 23 % increase in production without capital spend . Our record shows we ’ ve been able to deliver and sustain those gains .
" When we began our business we saw how other consulting firms worked and we wanted to be different . We wanted to take experienced miners and teach them how to be consultants not take consultants and teach them how to be miners ."
Hewitt agrees and says ' consultants ' can be viewed as a dirty word in any industry . He says a lot of resistance comes from generalist consulting firms trying to apply concepts that don ' t necessarily fit with the mining industry .
" A key point of feedback from our clients is just that we understand their business ," says Hewitt . " They don ' t take the action and execute and implement the recommendations because the consultants are telling them to do it , they do it because they actually believe it ' s going to work and they see the value ."
94 November 2021