"My company is dealing with some production bumps. We produce most of what we sell, and get behind whenever a machine breaks down, or a worker is out sick. What would you suggest I do?" Optimum productivity levels are...
It's inventory control time! I just completed my year end inventory count, and found that I have lots of things sitting in corners, partial lots, completed goods that never sold, leftovers, count errors, and un-returnable items. No matter what...
My business depends on selling goods out of inventory, and I've got a real problem. I'm not making enough money. Sometimes I don't have the right items on hand. Sometimes I get stuck with things I thought would sell,...
We're going in too many different directions. I have two operations teams, one for installation and one for service. Some of my office staff supports one team, some the other, some both. Right now each team, and each sub-group within...
"One of my customers has just returned to my service manager, for the third time, with a related set of problems. We have a valuable customer, who is now getting heated about the time she's spent coming back again. The...
Like most of us, this owner strives to produce an excellent service. Now that the company has grown, they are finding that it is getting harder to produce consistently at the new volume. And, they are concerned they may be...
"I'm a contractor, with a growing business. This is, of course, our busy season, and I'm looking to add to my field crew. I think I will also need someone with experience to be my eyes and ears in the...
Ask Andi: How do I organize a business? I'm exploring my passion for business, and am excited about it. I've been working for others for 10 years, and it's time I go out on my own. One big problem concerns...
Ask Andi: Our vendor is not meeting deadlines. Because of that, we missed a deadline. This didn't have to happen. I suspect that they just took our account for granted. What advice do you have for me?" Save your client...