Life’s Work

Life’s Work – Business – Knowledge – Logistics/Operations

Next, a production ramp-up/logistics plan needs to be developed in order to identify a timeline of critical path for completion of the production and delivery. It is important to define this within the parameters of how much production and/or services will be required. If the product or service is extremely popular, the company could be faced with and inability to deliver, causing significant frustration to customers. This plan is simply a list of each task in the production process, who will perform the task by occupation, how long the task will take, and the value of the task. Do not ignore the steps being performed by outside suppliers, the equipment, personnel, or training required and the layout and location that are critical to the process. Financial contingencies must also be defined. Clearly the planning aspect of this production is critical in terms of defining how a product or service can be delivered.

Once completed, the company needs to define the contingencies, or possible issues, that could arise in the business. A listing of the potential problems or situations needs to be developed. Examples might include the reaction of the customers to a downturn in the economy, preparation for a fire or natural disaster that would destroy client files, lack of proper capitalization, loss of key personnel, change in government laws or regulation, or a law suit. Those working on the business plan must then create policies for reacting to each of these situations. Developing this type of business continuity plan will allow you to be proactive, rather than reactive, when such circumstances arise