Management was feeling a squeeze on margins. The limited number of suppliers of specialty items increased prices leaving the company little room to negotiate. Meanwhile, customers were aggressively shopping products and driving prices down. 

The company had increased shop floor efficiency and saw limited room for additional improvement. Marketing was primarily through word-of-mouth or via their website.

We were asked to benchmark the company to identify areas for improvement as well as provide recommendations on how the company could improve profitability.

Solution

We assessed the company's financial performance trends, benchmarked performance against industry peers, and analyzed  profitability levers.

We found that the company operated efficiently and had good liquidity. However, operating profits were well below industry standards due to depressed gross margins.

Next, we isolated the impact of various factors affecting profitability: price, volume, labor efficiency, material costs and overhead expenses. We demonstrated that small to moderate increases in sales volume, price and/or labor efficiency would raise the company's margins to exceed industry norms.

We then suggested that the company focus on increasing sales volume by hiring a salesperson or otherwise proactively soliciting potential customers. We also suggested selectively increasing prices as well as executing some latent plans for improved labor efficiency.

We also noted that the company was deploying two market strategies which challenged internal operations:

1. A high volume/low margin strategy which required economies of scale and efficient operations, and

2. A niche strategy for specialty products which required highly skilled labor, advanced technology and excellent customer service.

We suggested that the company articulate its market strategy, develop a sales and marketing plan to execute its objectives and proactively seek profitable work. 

Results

As a result of our work, the company intensified it effort on increasing volume while continuing to serve its niche markets. 

The additional sales improved margins and overall profitability. In a relatively short period of time, the company reached parity with the industry peer group.

If you would like assistance improving the profitability of your company, please give us a call. We would be happy to help.

Until next month,

Point Your Business Where it Needs to Go!

Best Wishes,

Kelly

©2017, Soundpoint Consulting, LLC

Sound Consulting. Solid Results