Business Small Business The Value of a Cost Reduction Consultant


by LISA MILLER - Date: 2007-05-06 - Word Count: 674 Share This!

When it is apparent a company needs fresh ideas and new ways of looking at their operation, a cost reduction consultant or "specialist" can help to offer innovative business cost reduction solutions. Sometimes, it is possible to get too close to a situation and lose objectivity. Companies can also experience inertia and find it difficult to make necessary expense reductions.

A cost reduction specialist can assist a company with analysis of operations in order to improve operating efficiencies and achieve cost reductions in areas which require expertise such as equipment & IT lease reviews, commercial lease reviews, maintenance & service contract reviews, negotiating capital equipment purchases, and many other expense reviews.

COST REDUCTION SERVICES PROVIDES: Experienced professionals New ideas gathered from working with a variety of businesses Current information on industry trends Knowledge of supply sources Access to network of professionals

Professional Assistance

Cost reduction specialists work with a variety of companies to produce both short-term and long-term expense reductions. The result is not just a reduction in costs either. A complete analysis of company performance will also produce plans for increased revenue.

Companies face ever-increasing competition. Even non-profits find themselves competing for scarce donation and grant funds. The importance of effective cost reduction cannot be overstated. It is through cost savings that cash flow is increased, freeing up tight resources for product improvements that net sales.

A cost reduction specialists approach a company prepared to do a confidential analysis of current operations. This is followed by a plan of action that focuses on ways to reduce expenses without affecting the core operation of the company. Cost reduction professionals work with managers from analysis stage to the final implementation and review.

Survey of immediate cost savings opportunities to generate additional cash flow Analysis of current operational procedures Identification of expense categories Review of suppliers Compilation of historical trends and future projections at current expense rates Analysis of purchasing procedures Analysis of material and equipment contracts Report on ways to implement cost reductions Implementation of report guidelines approved by management Performance and success measures

Thoroughly Reviewed

Cost reduction specialists can thoroughly review a business operation from top to bottom if management so desires. A review of contracts, materials costs and all overhead costs are the common cost areas reviewed. Business specialists can implement strategic plans for the long term health of the company.

There are always ways to streamline a business and reduce costs. Human nature is such that it is often difficult to analyze a business objectively. Analysis by cost reduction specialists can offer new ways of looking at old problems. The goal of any outside consultant is to offer ways to produce tangible savings.

There are many levels of service offered by cost reduction specialists. A company can choose the extent of the analysis needed. Many specialists offer plans that are tiered so that as the company grows, the analysis can be expanded along the way to insure the company remains efficient. The net savings will always far outweigh the cost of the specialists.

There is no reason for a company to face a competitive world without professional assistance. Cost reduction specialists are professionals that will match the plan to the corporate capabilities for continued success in an ever-changing marketplace.

Lisa Miller is a recognized leader in cost reduction and cost control strategies. Since founding VIE Partners and its subsidiary, VIE Healthcare, in 2000, she and her team at VIE have generated over $40 million in cost savings for their clients. VIE excels in conducting operating expense reviews, which cover equipment lease audits, commercial lease reviews, capital equipment negotiations, vendor contract reviews, vendor pricing analysis and negotiations, telecommunications, freight, office supply, utility reviews, and much more. VIE's proprietary analysis ensures that all savings opportunities are identified with no disruption to staff or normal organizational work flow.

On the personal front, in May 2006, Lisa graduated with a Masters in Healthcare Administration from Seton Hall University in New Jersey. She was also nominated to Upsilon Phi Delta; the National Honor Society for Healthcare Administration.


Related Tags: purchasing, cost reduction, cost reduction consultant, expense reduction, cost control

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