Our approach is based upon your requirements. Many factors come into play, including cost, timing, budget considerations, internal initiatives already underway and the degree of clarity you have regarding the objectives. However, there are generally four components to each of our engagements.

Focus Session
The purpose of the focus session is to clarify your objectives. Together, we define the desired end-state both quantitatively and qualitatively. For example, from a quantitative perspective, we want to understand the critical process drivers or metrics. This includes profitability and productivity metrics, cost reduction dollars, scrap percentages, cycle time objectives, inventory positions, market share, order backlog, customer service metrics, delivery, etc.. Ideally, we want to identify the primary metrics to measure and set a preliminary improvement objective. Qualitatively, we need to know what is most important to you, your customers, shareholders and employees. These priorities are defined, prioritized and integrated in the approach.

Usually, the Focus Session includes key members of your organization and a number of our senior consultants. The focus session is free. This meeting provides the information needed to define your objectives and the deliverables that you want to achieve. The Focus Session is an invaluable process to ensure that we fully understand what you want and need prior to creating the Operations Assessment Proposal and moving forward.

Operations Assessment
The primary purpose of the Operations Assessment is to create a road map from a client's current condition to the desired end-state. Integral to the analysis is identifying the key areas of opportunity, quantifying the level of financial and operational improvement, and then determining the time and cost required to achieve it.

While the objectives and scope of each Assessment varies, the final result is a presentation and formal report consisting of the following sections:

• Findings: Outlining the opportunities and issues by area, type and potential impact
• Exhibits: Consisting of quantified financial, operating and market data illustrated in clear, concise charts supporting the findings
• Project Strategy and Approach: A documented project strategy and project approach outlining the path forward
• Project Schedule: A detailed project implementation schedule in Gantt Chart form that clearly illustrates each project element along with the respective areas, timelines and responsibilities
• Project Cash Flow: Illustrating the projected financial improvement, project fees and return on investment by week, month and in total

The Operations Assessment is performed at cost and is relatively inexpensive. The Assessment provides an in-depth analysis of the potential areas of opportunity and how to best achieve them. While we do not generally perform these studies unless a client is serious about implementing the project, the project phase is not a requirement. For the cost, the Operations Assessment is an excellent investment in itself.

Project Implementation
Projects can vary substantially in scope, content and cost. However, to ensure the results are delivered as planned, Centris incorporates state-of-the-art project management techniques, a rigorous project quality review process, and formal weekly and monthly client reviews of the project accomplishments, plans, schedule status and planned versus actual financial improvement. This is an integral part of all projects, whether large or small.

The Project Strategy, Implementation Approach and Project Schedule developed during the Operations Assessment are the primary method of implementing the project. The Project Scope and Work Content, Roles and Responsibilities, Support Requirements, Project Staffing and Reporting Processes are defined in advance so everyone is clear as to how the project will be implemented.

Centris often uses a team based approach. We provide all of the consulting resources required to accomplish the project, but on occasion, will use our client's personnel to reduce the project cost.

All projects are a joint endeavor requiring commitment, focus and the willingness to support the project plan with the appropriate levels of effort, resources and resolve by both parties. Management must be fully committed to the project to reliably achieve a successful outcome.

Sustainment
Centris provides on site "calibration reviews" for up to two years following the completion of your project to ensure the results are sustained. The calibration reviews help to offset the gradual (or not so gradual) changes in personnel, product mix, processes or acquisitions that are the norm in today's environment. For the cost of travel expenses and lodging our senior consultants will visit your site to adjust and update the processes and procedures, provide additional training and make recommendations to enhance your results going forward.