The Key Elements of a Successful Business Review

Introduction

A Business Review is an essential process for evaluating how well a company operates. It looks at workflows, resource management, workplace culture, and overall efficiency to identify areas for improvement. The aim is to identify potential operational improvements, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance productivity.

Typically conducted by productivity consultants, like those at Woodward Consulting Limited, a Business Review delves into workflow processes, time management, resource allocation, and employee performance to develop actionable recommendations.

What Makes Up a Business Review?

A well-structured Business Review should focus on several key areas:

1. Process Evaluation – Identifying inefficiencies and bottlenecks in operational workflows.

• Time Management Analysis – Understanding how employees and teams allocate their time.
• Technology & Tools Assessment – Evaluating how effectively existing software, automation, and tools support efficiency.
• Workplace Culture & Engagement – Examining motivation, teamwork, and overall work dynamics.
• Resource Utilisation – Ensuring human, financial, and physical resources are used optimally.
• Performance Metrics & KPIs – Measuring productivity against business objectives and industry standards.
• Recommendations & Action Plan – Providing clear, tailored strategies to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve results.

 

A Business Review is a collaborative effort. Success depends on working closely with key stakeholders to determine who and what should be included in the review, and how findings will be shared and actioned.

 

One of the first steps is to establish a project charter, outlining key sponsors, reporting structures, and feedback mechanisms.

Our approach to productivity improvement is effective because we combine technical expertise in Lean methodology with active staff engagement. Employees are involved throughout the process, ensuring they feel valued and invested in the changes being suggested.

Every organisation has a wealth of internal knowledge, experience, and insight, and tapping into this is crucial for driving meaningful productivity improvements. That’s why we co-venture—we partner with our clients to ensure the best possible outcomes.

The Core Components of a Business Review

1. Process Evaluation

Understanding how work gets done is the first step in making it more efficient.

 

• Process Mapping – Visualising workflows to pinpoint delays and inefficiencies.
• Bottleneck Identification – Finding areas where work gets held up, whether due to approvals, ineffective handovers, or outdated systems.
• Process Redesign – Simplifying workflows by cutting unnecessary steps and introducing automation where appropriate.
• Lean Thinking – Applying Lean principles to remove waste and create smoother, more effective processes.
• 7S Framework – Evaluating how strategy, structure, systems, shared values, skills, style, and staff impact productivity.

2.Time Management Analysis

Poor time management is one of the biggest barriers to productivity.

 

• Day in the Life Of (DILO) Studies – Collaborating with employees to identify time-consuming tasks that add little value.

• Time Audits – Helping teams analyse how time is spent across meetings, projects, and admin tasks.
• Workload Balancing – Ensuring that staff are neither overburdened nor underutilised.
• Time Management Techniques – Assessing whether methods like time blocking or task batching could improve efficiency.
• Lean Waste Analysis – Spotting areas where time is wasted due to waiting, unnecessary movement, or frequent task-switching.
• People, Machines, Materials Review – Checking if delays are caused by workforce gaps, inefficient equipment, or lack of materials.

3. Technology & Tools Assessment

Technology should enhance productivity—not hinder it.

• Observational Studies – Collaborative analysis of how employees interact with digital tools to identify inefficiencies.
• Tech Integration Review – Ensuring different systems communicate effectively to reduce duplicated work.
• ROI Analysis – Determining whether current tools provide value for money.
• Automation Potential – Identifying manual processes that could be streamlined using automation.
• Lean Digital Transformation – Making sure technology simplifies rather than complicates workflows.
• 7S Check (Systems & Skills) – Ensuring employees have the right tools and skills to use technology effectively.

 

4. Workplace Culture & Engagement

A strong workplace culture leads to higher productivity and better collaboration.

• Employee Surveys & Cultural Analysis – Gathering insights into job satisfaction, leadership, and workplace challenges.
• Collaboration & Teamwork Review – Observing how teams interact to uncover communication barriers.
• Recognition & Incentives Audit – Review whether reward structures align with performance goals.
• Well-being Assessment – Identifying stressors and workload imbalances that impact efficiency.
• Lean Leadership Approach – Encouraging a culture of continuous improvement and problem-solving.
• 7S Framework (Style & Shared Values) – Ensuring leadership styles and company values align with high performance.

 

5. Resource Utilisation

Effective resource allocation is key to reducing waste and increasing productivity.

• Capacity Evaluation – Assessing workload distribution to prevent burnout and inefficiencies.
• Space & Equipment Audit – Reviewing office layout, tools, and equipment to improve efficiency.
• Cost vs. Output Review – Ensuring financial investments deliver measurable productivity gains.
• Cross-Functional Resource Sharing – Exploring opportunities to optimise staff and tools across departments.
• Human Resources, Machines, Materials Assessment – Identifying inefficiencies caused by staffing shortages, outdated machinery, or supply chain issues.
• Lean Inventory Management – Implementing just-in-time (JIT) principles to avoid stockpiling or supply chain delays.

 

6. Performance Metrics & KPIs

Tracking key performance indicators ensures that improvements are measurable.

• KPI Benchmarking – Comparing business performance against industry standards.
• Data-Driven Insights – Using analytics to spot performance trends and areas for improvement.
• Predictive Analytics – Forecasting future challenges based on historical data.
• Real-Time Dashboards – Implementing live performance tracking tools.
• Lean Performance Tracking – Measuring efficiency based on value-added vs. non-value-added activities.
• 7S Review (Strategy & Systems) – Ensuring KPIs align with long-term business objectives.

 

7. Recommendations & Action Plan

The final stage of a Business Review is turning insights into action.

• Process Redesign Implementation – Putting streamlined workflows into practice.
• Technology & Training Enhancements – Ensuring employees have the right tools and skills for success.
• Workplace Engagement Initiatives – Implementing strategies to boost collaboration and motivation.
• Long-Term Improvement Strategy – Developing a roadmap for continuous progress.
• Lean Productivity Implementation – Embedding Lean principles into daily operations.
• 7S Change Management Approach – Aligning structure, leadership, skills, and systems with strategic goals.

Final Thoughts

A Business Review is a valuable tool for any organisation looking to streamline operations, improve workflows, and optimise resource allocation. By combining Lean principles, the 7S framework, and a Men, Machines, Materials analysis, businesses can enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and drive long-term success.

If you are planning a transformation programme, I offer a 30-minute free consultation to establish your needs and next steps.

andrew@woodward-consulting.net