What should a business do when faced with the challenges we have outlined?
Adapt to the ideal state, make the changes necessary to serve the customer in the best way possible.
In our case the solution was to change the way we do business. The decision was made to close the restaurant and purchase a food truck. A pleasant picnic area was created in front of the food truck where customers could enjoy their meals. Customers could also opt for carry out do they could enjoy their dinner at home. Prices were set so that everything was I even dollar amounts, facilitating easy transactions. Credit cards and debit were not an option. Cash only. For the convenience of customers, an ATM is located in the picnic area. Alcohol or coffee is not served. This new model only required the chef and one assistant to run the operation. It is a summer operation, running from early May to Labour Day.
The new concept opened with great success. The food is fantastic, service is quick and while always busy when I’m there, there is always a smile from the chef and a seat to enjoy my dinner.
What is the point of the story? We believe our business is being run as efficiently but is it being run effectively? Are we serving our customers in the best way possible for both them and for the business? When we take a LEAN view of our business, analyze the problems and develop solutions, that’s when the business truly succeeds.
She met ones we need the help of an outside expert who will do the analysis, present the findings and in conjunction with the principles, develop and execute the plan. The advantage of an outside pair of eyes is they will view the operation objectively with no hidden agenda.
The best person to help the business is a LEAN Black Belt.