Improving efficiency with Lean
In this case study you will learn how applying lean principles can improve internal processes and reduce waste, which will result in a better quality of service provided.
“Adopting the lean principles has helped us to deliver our services in the least wasteful way possible. We developed a standard set of practices with Steve’s guidance that are now used in our accounting processes."
Catriona Threadgold
Partner, Fitzgerald Power
For Fitzgerald Power, adding value to everything they do is their main goal. In addition to working with clients in Ireland, they have also expanded to offering accountancy solutions to companies in the UK and Europe. These specialist services include statutory audit, outsourced accounting & payroll solutions, taxation planning & compliance, cloud accounting, corporate finance, and insolvency.
The team at Fitzgerald Power work across a range of sectors including community pharmacy, food & beverage, convenience retail and SME’s.
Key Challenges
The business was due to take on a significant number of new clients. Therefore, they wanted to review their workflows, particularly their bookkeeping function with a view to identifying any ways to streamline the process.
Key Changes
Their LeanStart approach was to engage the team, notably the book-keeping staff, and run Lean workshops on process mapping, 5s & Kanban. We also worked with the Partners and support team to establish key business metrics.
OUTCOMES
1. Onboarding new customers
Firstly, the practice set up an onboarding process for new clients. The customer onboarding process is one of the most critical stages of the customer lifecycle. When done correctly, it sets your customers up for success while also clearly demonstrating the value of your product.
2. Automation of Information from Suppliers
Next, the team initiated the automation of information transfer from suppliers. Automation saves time, effort, and money while reducing manual errors, giving your company more time to focus on its primary goals.
3. Automation of Information from clients
In addition, they automated the transfer of information from their clients. Repetitive tasks can be completed more quickly. Because each task is performed identically and without human error, automating processes ensures high quality results
4. Physical Workplace & Computer Systems
Implementation of 5S in the workplace. As a result, this makes it easier for employees to do their jobs without wasting time or risking injury. The next step was looking at their computer systems and use the same methodology to organise their IT systems. The 5S system is a set of instructions for organising and maintaining a workplace to maximize productivity.
