Case study: ATZ Chemicals

A woman (Sarah Clayton) wearing a bright orange safety vest stands in a warehouse holding a clipboard and pen. She is inspecting large containers and stacks of boxed inventory. The warehouse contains pallets, large tanks, and shelves stocked with various items, suggesting an industrial or manufacturing environment

Case study

ATZ Chemicals

Industry: Chemical manufacturer and distributor

Location: Sydney

Size: 10-20 people

Topic: Inventory management and production planning

Background

ATZ Chemicals is a growing chemical manufacturing company, they were facing operational challenges adapting to their increased demand with their operations hindering their efficiency and scalability.

Challenges

Inefficient inventory management: Using an outdated, desktop version which did not integrate with their finance system.

Resulting in:

Too much time spent on admin

Reliance on paper based processes

Manual duplication of information into systems - increased chance of human error

Inaccurate inventory levels

Reliance on paper based processes

Lack of streamlined processes for issuing manufacturing orders and managing Bills of Materials (BOMs).

Issues with the team structure, all staff members reporting into the operations manager who was stretched too thin and unable to delegate. This was leading to a lack of accountability in the team.

Inadequate tracking of supplier interactions and quality control measures.

Solution

We are working through a complete overhaul of their operations across the 3 key areas, systems, process and team.

Systems

Transitioned to a new finance system allowing us to choose an inventory system which would integrate fully to stop the manual duplication of information.

Transitioned to a new cloud-based inventory management software

Implemented automated reporting features for better visibility into inventory levels, production schedules, and financials.

Processes

Introduced and documented a stock take process to ensure accuracy in stock levels and a manageable process to maintain, including full SOP’s, checklists, calendars, templates and meeting agendas.

Team

Conducted training sessions for ATZ Chemicals' staff to adapt to the new systems and processes.

Established a clear chain of command to streamline decision-making.

Established middle management positions, provided new job descriptions and meeting schedules with agendas.

Initiated regular review meetings to ensure ongoing improvement and adaptability to new operational challenges.

client testimonial

Tammer Salem

Operations Manager

“We have been working with Sarah & Aly for the last few months now and they have helped us immensely over this short time. Their insight and positive attitude have been paramount to the success of the project we are currently working on.”