Services

At the forefront of our Thought Leadership team are distinguished figures in retail and public sector consulting. Our thought leadership initiatives encompass:

* Enterprise Government

* Death of Kirana

* Green "Short" Supply Chain

* Connected Agriculture

* Many-2-Many Supply Chains

* Zero-Based Budgeting for Governments

* Energy Poverty

* School Uniform Poverty

Our Strategy & Process Improvement (SPi) team boasts a diverse sectoral background, incorporating the finest practices from their respective industries into every project we undertake. This commitment to innovation is evident in the value we deliver to each of our clients.

Our team, led by Sunil, has gained experience across various sectors, including:

* Sugar

* Paper

* Alcohol

* Textiles

* Cement

* Oil & Gas

* Electricity Transmission

* Sporting goods, Footwear & Apparel

* Fashion & Home

* Automobiles

* FMCG

* Food & Beverages

* Quick Service Restaurants (QSR)

Effective change occurs when a company's resources collaborate seamlessly to achieve a shared agenda. In such scenarios, human capital, while potentially disruptive, remains the primary driver of change.

Thus, rallying human capital is paramount for successful change management.

Our Change Management teams have extensive experience across sectors, developing training manuals and conducting workshops for senior, middle, and core management teams across various geographical locations.

Mergers & acquisitions involve the strategic alignment of companies to leverage shared capabilities and minimize risks. Our approach emphasizes comprehending these capabilities, integration risks, and aligning merged entities to maximize their resource utilisation.

We address both core business processes and support services, employing Lean Six Sigma tools to ensure optimal outcomes.

Are you a retail or franchising business aiming to enhance efficiency, streamline operations, and foster growth? Our tailored process improvement solutions are designed to address the unique challenges faced by the retail and franchising sectors, empowering businesses like yours to excel in a fiercely competitive market.

In today's dynamic retail landscape, success hinges on delivering exceptional customer experiences, optimizing operations, and staying ahead of the curve. Leveraging our expertise, we specialize in pinpointing inefficiencies, eliminating bottlenecks, and implementing innovative strategies to revolutionize your business processes.

Through a thorough assessment of your operations, we identify areas ripe for improvement and devise customised solutions aligned with your business goals. By optimising supply chain management, refining inventory control, and harnessing data-driven analytics, we equip you to make informed decisions, minimise costs, and boost profitability.

In the franchising arena, maintaining consistency across locations is paramount for preserving brand integrity and customer satisfaction. Our process improvement strategies facilitate operational standardisation, ensure compliance, and enhance franchisee performance. By integrating best practices and leveraging cutting-edge technology, we empower you to efficiently scale your franchise network while upholding high standards of quality and customer service.

Envision a retail or franchising business operating seamlessly like a well-oiled machine, with streamlined processes, reduced waste, and heightened profitability. Our process improvement solutions turn this vision into reality. Whether you seek to optimise store layouts, refine staff scheduling, or streamline order fulfilment, our expertise delivers tangible results.

By partnering with us, you gain access to a seasoned team of professionals well-versed in the intricacies of the retail and franchising industries. We collaborate closely with your teams, providing comprehensive training, guidance, and ongoing support to ensure successful implementation and sustainable enhancements.

Don't let inefficient processes hinder your retail or franchising business. Embrace process improvement to unlock your full potential and surpass the competition. Reach out to us today to embark on a journey toward operational excellence and accelerated growth in the retail and franchising sectors.

Together, let's optimise your operations, elevate customer experiences, and propel your business forward in the dynamic realm of retail and franchising. Let us be your trusted partner on the path to success!

With our profound understanding of the retail sector, we offer comprehensive support across the entire retail value chain. Whether you're a newcomer to retail or manage a thriving retail chain, our professionals serve as a reliable resource for all your retail needs. And should hands-on assistance be required, rest assured, our experts are ready to roll up their sleeves to deliver impactful results.

Are you seeking innovative solutions to modernise and optimise public sector processes? Our process improvement solutions are tailored to assist government organisations in achieving heightened efficiency, cost savings, and enhanced service delivery.

In today's fast-evolving landscape, citizens expect seamless and timely interactions with government agencies. Yet, outdated processes often impede progress and hinder the ability to meet these expectations. That's where our expertise shines.

Our proven methodology entails identifying bottlenecks, streamlining workflows, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies to drive efficiency. By embracing automation, digitisation, and data-driven decision-making, we empower public sector entities to operate more effectively and deliver services that truly impact lives.

We understand the unique challenges faced by government organisations, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements while upholding the highest standards of accountability and transparency. Through collaborative workshops and consultations, we work closely with your teams to optimise resource allocation, identify pain points, and enhance overall productivity.

Picture a public sector that operates with agility, responds promptly to citizen needs, and maximises resource utilisation. Our process improvement solutions bring this vision to life. By implementing our strategies, you can achieve tangible results such as reduced turnaround times, heightened customer satisfaction, and enhanced operational performance.

Let us help you unlock the full potential of your organisation and pave the way for a more efficient and citizen-centric public sector. Together, we can navigate the complexities of today's world and build a brighter future for all.

Remember, streamlined processes benefit not only your organisation but also the citizens you serve. Join us in transforming the public sector for the better!

Our Team is at the forefront of thought leadership in delivering Enterprise Government.

Enterprise Government: A Vision for Future Governance

Governments must invest strategically to yield returns that benefit society. Our team conceived 'Enterprise Government' as a framework for the future of Government Performance Management.

With over three and half decades of expertise in strategy consulting, Sunil specialises in fostering growth and success within the retail and public sectors. Currently, Sunil serves as the Managing Partner at Strategy Consulting Group Ltd., spearheading thought leadership, strategic planning, and operational enhancements across various industries and global markets.

His experience includes collaborating with Cisco Systems Inc. as the International Director for Future Technologies (IBSG), where he provided strategic insights on emerging technologies. Additionally, he was seconded to EY to establish the retail/franchise practice for EMEA, driving business development and ensuring operational excellence.

At KPMG Consulting, he led the Retail/Franchising Practice for the GCC countries, demonstrating proficiency in crafting and implementing impactful retail strategies.

His extensive knowledge of the retail industry and global best practices has enabled him to collaborate with over 200 high street brands worldwide.

Moreover, he specialises in assisting government agencies in achieving their mission-driven objectives. His expertise encompasses program design and evaluation, policy development, process improvement, stakeholder engagement, and resource allocation. He has consulted with several governments in India, the Middle East, and China, leveraging his insights to drive positive change and facilitate growth.

With over two decades of expertise in finance, Shailza is a seasoned professional currently leading the finance function of a multi-sector group of companies. Offering invaluable insights into investment strategies and corporate governance, Shailza significantly contributes to the financial well-being of her organisation.

Having collaborated extensively on projects in the Middle East and UK, spanning logistics, renewables, real estate, and retail sectors, Shailza brings a diverse range of experiences to the table. She specialises in performance reporting and performance improvement on medium to large-scale projects, ensuring optimal outcomes and sustainable growth.

At our core, gut feel analysis is just one facet of our multifaceted approach. We believe in the power of the mind—the boundless, limitless potential it possesses to transcend boundaries, to explore the skies and delve into the depths of the oceans simultaneously. It's within this realm of boundless creativity that your ideas can truly flourish. Who knows? You might just be the next inventor, a catalyst for change, or simply someone who brings happiness to yourself and those around you. And that's where we come in.

Spending a couple of hours with our team can breathe life into your dreams. Our free-flowing strategy sessions provide you with the space to think aloud while we help shape your vision into tangible goals. Once we've helped you visualise your dream, we're committed to helping you achieve it. All it takes is a phone call or a message, and we'll be right there beside you.

If you're seeking guidance or more hands-on support, our global team is at your disposal. Whether you're venturing into manufacturing, creating your own product, or facilitating dreams through education, we're here to decode the commercial implications of your decisions. Should you choose to pursue your dream with us, we'll stand by your side every step of the way. Whether you prefer an active approach or passive support, our goal is to empower you to live your dream.

As your dream begins to take shape and grow, our team remains committed to making it a reality. We've had the privilege of working with numerous entrepreneurs, from fresh graduates eager to embark on their journey to seasoned individuals seeking to refine their ideas. Our case studies highlight some of the thrilling projects we've been involved in, showcasing the diverse range of opportunities we've helped bring to fruition.

Vision:

a) To establish ourselves as a pioneering leader within the sector.

b) To optimise operations as a cost-effective convenience retailer.

c) To achieve nationwide ubiquity, ensuring accessibility for all.

d) To lead across diverse retail formats, setting benchmarks for excellence.

As our Group embarked on its journey, we sought a dynamic team to navigate the setup and launch process. Collaborating closely with the Board and Senior Management Team, we articulated a bold business vision and laid the groundwork for success in a fiercely competitive market.

Our Lead Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Consultant spearheaded the project, ensuring the Group leveraged expert insights to achieve its objectives effectively.

Store Strategy:

Initiating discussions on brick-and-mortar versus online presence, we resolved to excel in both domains. However, our initial emphasis was on brick-and-mortar strategy. Working closely with management, we evaluated various formats—hypermarkets, supermarkets, and neighbourhood stores. Comprehensive analyses of real estate, supply chain dynamics, staffing, and more informed our decision to simultaneously venture into all formats.

Private Label Strategy:

We meticulously assessed the benefits of establishing a Private Label Strategy, identifying category leaders and market brands. Through thorough analysis of category revenue and consumer behaviour, we crafted a robust strategy aimed at leadership within categories while safeguarding margins for the Group.

Organisation Design:

We scrutinised the organisation structure, delineating roles and responsibilities across the value chain. By illustrating the interplay between functions, we showcased how each function's actions impacted the outputs of others.

Format Strategy:

A comprehensive chain store strategy encompassing hypermarkets, supermarkets, and neighbourhood convenience stores was devised. Detailed organisational structures were designed at both the Group and store format levels to ensure seamless execution.

Private Label Strategy:

To solidify a leadership position, the business aimed to reduce reliance on external brands. Thus, a private label strategy was developed. Through category-level analysis, we identified top revenue earners and margin contributors, resulting in a private label component exceeding 40% with gross margins surpassing 52%, compared to the industry average of 30%.

A global dairy company faced formidable challenges with its retail partners, experiencing significant revenue loss due to milk expiration, averaging an alarming 13.91% of shipped milk per week, equivalent to 24,100 gallons. Despite investing in a fresh herd of cows and a new bottling unit to address the issue, losses persisted and even increased as shipments grew.

Our team was enlisted to assess the situation and implement corrective measures.

Define Phase:

Executive interviews were conducted across departments including Production, Sales, Distribution, Finance, and Operations to comprehend the underlying issues:

* Production operated at maximum capacity to meet increased demand, necessitating herd expansion and a new bottling unit.

* Sales faced customer pressure due to product expiration, resulting in penalties, unprofitable gondola space rental, and returned stock.

* Distribution struggled with managing returns and expired milk despite meeting performance metrics.

* Finance dedicated resources to reconcile deliveries and returns, raising profitability concerns.

* Operations faced daily challenges with returns and expired milk, compounded by non-reusable PET bottles.

Retailer meetings were held to understand their perspective, revealing:

* Loss of sales due to insufficient fresh milk availability by late afternoon.

* Short shelf life, with milk returned within 36 hours of sale.

* Retailer-incurred distribution and return costs.

Measure & Analyse Phase:

Data analytics were employed to scrutinise delivery, return, and sales data over five weeks. Process improvement models were developed to extend milk shelf life. A time-enabled process flow unveiled inefficiencies.

Truck loading, on-road time, unloading, and processing took roughly 10.30 hours, leaving only 36 hours of active selling time for fresh milk.

Improve & Control Phase:

Various scenarios were evaluated, culminating in the decision to deliver fresh milk directly to retail stores. Smaller delivery vehicles were procured, with the company managing shelf replenishment. Retailers provided daily sales reports to facilitate efficient delivery scheduling:

* Returns decreased to under 0.65% of deliveries.

* Excess milk was repurposed for value-added products with extended shelf life.

* Retail milk sales surged by 10%.

* Surplus bottling capacity was redirected for fresh juice bottling, introducing a new product line.

Outcomes:

Despite the additional cost of vehicles and direct deliveries, increased revenues and reduced wastage offset expenses, yielding a mutually beneficial outcome for both the company and retailers.

Mastering the Implementation Craft: Revolutionising Hypermarket Operations

A leading hypermarket chain embarked on a groundbreaking Process Improvement initiative, facing the formidable challenge of seamlessly integrating redesigned processes across its expansive front-end team of 1,600 members.

Scope of Work:

Our mission involved crafting an Operations-Learning Management System (LMS) to swiftly acquaint the front-end team with the overhauled processes. This entailed developing comprehensive Policy, Procedure, and Process Manuals, alongside Authority-Responsibility Matrices, Forms, and Checklists for frontline execution.

Establishment of the PMO:

The Project Management Office (PMO) played a central role in orchestrating this endeavour. Responsibilities included stakeholder management, formation and oversight of the Design Team, establishment of an Executive Committee, and meticulous setup of Beta test and Roll-Out teams, all underpinned by seamless transition management.

Design Phase:

A series of exhaustive meetings reaffirmed stakeholder objectives, deliverables, and desired process outcomes. Front-end team composition was meticulously curated, with Team Leaders, Process Champions, and Process Enablers paired with the Design Team to craft:

* Core processes

* Floor Management & Customer Support

* Decision Support

* Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Deliverables:

The outcome was a comprehensive suite of Manuals, meticulously designed and delivered alongside a series of Roll-Out training sessions, including:

* Planogram Compliance

* Inventory Control / Cycle Count

* Shelf Replenishment & Availability Management

* Sales & Cash Management

* Demand Estimation, Replenishment & Ordering

* Receiving

* Close-to-Expiry / Wastage

* Loss & Shrinkage Prevention

* Inter-store Transfer of Merchandise

* Customer Service

* Promotion & Events Compliance

* Markdown / Reduced to Clear

* Returns by Customers

* Warranty

* Rolling Stock Management

* Team Scheduling & Shift Management

* Store Checklists

* General Floor Management Checklist

* Training

* Returns to Vendors

Transition Phase:

Team Leaders, Process Champions, and Process Enablers underwent rigorous training, assuming the role of Change Agents to spearhead the process roll-out under our guidance. Extensive training sessions were conducted across various formats to ensure optimal team composition for a system-wide roll-out. Over five months, in-store training sessions were held regularly to maximise participation. Second Level Trainees conducted periodic assessments, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Through meticulous planning and execution, we facilitated a seamless transition, empowering the hypermarket chain to embrace a new era of operational excellence.

A dynamic retail and real estate powerhouse, poised for exponential growth and eyeing Fortune 500 status, engaged us to fortify its strategy in response to the challenges accompanying its rapid expansion. These challenges encompassed:

* Brand Diversification Strategy

* Brick-and-Mortar Strategy

* Infrastructure Readiness (Supply Chain, Personnel, Technology, etc.)

* Financing

* Real Estate Strategy

Scope of Work

Our mandate spanned a comprehensive strategic overhaul, encompassing:

* Setting the vision and ambition

* Conducting a high-level As-Is assessment of the business, operations, and ecosystem

* Developing the target strategic plan

* Crafting the business plan and growth program

* Outlining a high-level framework for geographic expansion

* Structuring assessments for new business opportunities and win opportunities

* Analyzing the competitive landscape

* Designing the organisation structure and competency Venn diagram

* Creating the transformation roadmap

Setting Strategic Direction

Collaborating closely with the Group CEO and Divisional Retail VP, we delineated the Retail Vision in terms of KPIs, strategic objectives, guardrails, and critical success factors. Stakeholder interviews and leadership team engagements were pivotal in gathering market insights and garnering buy-in for the strategic planning approach. Concurrently, we conducted a thorough current-state analysis, delving into operations and organisational dynamics to contextualise strategic recommendations. An analysis of retail expansion options and the delineation of territories, segments, target customers, and brands laid the groundwork for the transformation. The resulting organisational structure served as a guiding beacon for the ensuing transformation journey.

Current & Future Trajectory

Building upon the strategic foundations laid, this phase focused on delineating the requisite organisational blueprint and roadmap to actualise the strategic vision. Key activities included:

* Assessing existing retail business processes, structures, systems, and capabilities

* Crafting a blueprint detailing future organisational capabilities aligned with the vision

* Collaborating with the client team to chart a roadmap bridging the current and future states

* Launching 'No Regrets' projects to build momentum and optimise existing assets

* Detailing a prioritised program of change, complete with defined projects and resource allocation

* Crafting a robust business case for investment, identifying risks and mitigation strategies

* Defining governance, risk management, measurement, and reporting mechanisms

* Aligning plans with the overarching Group strategic agenda and securing approval

Through meticulous planning and execution, we paved the path for our client's strategic evolution, positioning them to navigate complexities and emerge as a frontrunner in their industry.

As part of a consortium of consulting firms, our role was to envision the future of Government Reporting and Governance. Globally, governments recognize the imperative of proactive management to meet citizen expectations and attract businesses and skilled labor.

What We Did:

Vision:

We centered our efforts on crafting an e-Government vision that emphasizes inclusivity, empowering all citizens to participate in the economy. This vision aligns with similar developments in business and commerce, fostering an economy propelled by the collective knowledge and skills of its citizens.

Key Drivers:

Identifying key drivers behind the e-Government vision, we emphasized:

* Establishing a Unified Communication Platform for seamless interaction between Governments, Business, and Citizens.

* Providing better, coordinated services to Business and Citizens.

* Offering efficient and cost-effective solutions.

* Fostering transparency to enhance Government Reputation.

* Cultivating a Knowledge Society.

Roadmap:

Our team developed a comprehensive roadmap outlining the e-Government strategy:

* Stage 1: Re-engineer the Ministry of Finance and enable e-Governance.

* Stage 2: Extend e-Governance to other Ministries and facilitate inter-governmental interaction.

* Stage 3: Extend e-Services to Businesses and Citizens.

Functions Covered:

We ensured comprehensive coverage across various domains by addressing strategic management processes, core processes, and resource management processes.

Deliverables:

Our deliverables included As-Is and To-Be business process models, GAP analysis, business process handbooks, and an implementation roadmap to guide the transformation journey.

Our Impact:

Together, we aimed to shape the future of governance and usher in a new era of efficiency, transparency, and citizen-centricity. Contact us today to embark on your journey towards Enterprise Government!