Our uniqueness
Alexander Proudfoot identifies and implements tangible and sustainable operational improvements at no net annualised cost to our clients. We operate globally with offices on four continents.
Our focus
Our approach combines three core disciplines:
- Process improvements: The thorough review and re-design of existing business processes for production, supply chain, sales, cost control and capital expenditures to deliver measurable improvements in effectiveness and efficiency;
- People solutions: Working with, educating, training, and communicating with client employees at all levels to provide solutions which align thinking and behaviour in support of the re-designed or newly-created processes and facilitate sustainable change;
- Management operating systems: The development of specific, focused, easily understood, high-impact indicators to monitor performance and to identify areas which require managerial attention.
How we work with clients
A client engagement begins with discussions with senior management to identify opportunities for operational and financial improvement. The second phase of the engagement is a period of fast-paced, in-depth analysis of the identified opportunities using a wide range of proprietary techniques to quantify the potential benefits of change. The final phase of the engagement is lengthier, usually between six and nine months and comprises installation of the new or re-designed process improvements, management systems and people solutions.
Satisfaction
We ensure continuing satisfaction by weekly meetings with our clients which includes approval of work performed and fees incurred. Any issues are therefore promptly addressed and overcome. To demonstrate our commitment, clients have the right to terminate the engagement at two weeks' notice without penalty. Over 90% of our clients are prepared to provide references.
(Based on independent research by Franklin Consulting Works, an external research firm)
What makes us different
We don't just identify opportunities to improve or potential paths to improved operating results, we actually implement the changes, working with both management and front-line personnel, side by side, until the client achieves the projected and sustainable financial benefits.
How we charge
Analysis of a client's business to identify and quantify the improvement opportunities is charged on a time-used basis, but the cost is minimised by its short duration. Development and implementation of solutions is charged on a fixed-fee basis at a fraction of the agreed annualised benefit to the client.
Our people
Alexander Proudfoot executives are typically former managers with years of practical experience who have joined Alexander Proudfoot later in their careers.
Representative clients
Representative clients include BHP Billiton, BP, Degussa, Exide, ING, Maytag, Nissan, Sara Lee, Société Générale and Total.
Engagement snapshots
- An insurance company halved the new product development cycle by installing more timely and frequent launches of targeted products resulting in a sales increase of over US$15 million within nine months.
- Increased capacity utilisation while reducing energy consumption and use of overtime labour to deliver US$42 million in benefits for one of the world's lowest cost nickel producers.
- Defined responsibilities, operating processes, management tools, behaviours and communication channels to help a leading oil and gas company increase production by 300%.
- Improved labour productivity, merchandising and inventory control to deliver CDN$33.1 million in benefits for a Canadian grocer operating 100+ retail locations.
- Improved service to personal investment customers and reduced complaints by 48% at a global financial services company operating in over 50 countries.
- Reduced contractor, supply chain, overtime, and warehouse costs by US$44 million while achieving record production levels at an Indonesian metal mine.
- Enhanced work/life balance and reduced turnover of division trainmasters for a large North American railway operator.
- Delivered EUR 53 million in benefits for a German plastics manufacturer via plant relocation, yield improvement and installation of a performance-based culture.
- Improved organisational effectiveness while reducing inventory and contractor costs for a global process controls manufacturer, delivering EUR 28.5 million in benefits.
- Optimised packaging and cost controls, reduced energy and casual labour usage over nine facilities, delivering Rand 22.7 million in benefits for a major Southern African brewer.
Regional offices
Africa +27 11 582 1200
Europe +44 20 7710 5100
North America +1 404 260 0600
South America +55 11 3305 7800
www.alexanderproudfoot.com