Consulting is a strategic tool whose objective is to provide advice and implement solutions focused on increasing the productivity and competitiveness of companies, taking full advantage of existing resources. Having the support of a consultant helps to understand the current market environment, challenges and improve areas of opportunity.
Although there are still many companies that underestimate its importance, the role of the management consultant has become more relevant, although it is usually considered an unnecessary expense, the truth is that it helps boost the performance of various areas, so It should be seen more as a short-term investment for the company, in order to have better control over the operation, as well as management capacity.
“There are many reasons why a company does not consider investing in an external consultancy; however, the important thing should be to reinforce the message, modify it and transform it into something positive. With the help of the consultancy you have the opportunity to optimize processes, as well as to make the most of tools that will facilitate the current operation and, with this, minimize costs and expenses.
The added value offered by the consultancy is reflected in the analysis it makes on the operation of an organization, identifying areas of opportunity, proposing effective solutions and implementing the improvements with a long-term vision to respond to the challenges that arise.
Companies should seek, in addition to professionalism, reliability and experience, a type of consultancy that provides the best service considering the following points:
1. Definition of objectives: Detect the areas of opportunity of the company and from there to create the strategy, work plan and solutions to be implemented.
2. Definition of solutions (operational or theoretical): Many times the solutions can be applied directly to the operation, through very specific actions, ranging from production strategies to courses or training to instruct employees and managers regarding knowledge General of the company and its processes.
3. Diagnosis and approach: The consultancy should focus on identifying the strengths, areas of opportunity and business models that will be improved considering that there are no equal companies. Once the diagnosis has been made, both internal and external, the necessary information will be available to know the areas where the tactics will be focused on.
4. Prioritization: In a company, although all areas are relevant; Both the consultant and the managers should focus their efforts where the action is needed immediately. The prioritization criteria are based on when to the urgency, the severity and the tendency of the problems to be solved.
5. Technological tools: A good consultant can complement his experience with the implementation of technology platforms that optimize processes and improve productivity. Some companies are experts in ICTs (Information Technology) that allow having accessible and efficient controls for the management of a business according to their needs.
6. Update: Technology is advancing at high speeds and companies must stay updated to continue offering a competitive advantage. A consultant who can evolve with technological advances will be crucial for the timely monitoring of the needs that arise.
The consulting process does not promise a total transformation for a business, it is an external vision of the operational situation of a company that offers a more objective and neutral perspective of what is happening and how it can be resolved. The success of a consultancy is due to joint action with the business, in which both parties work on the same objective and finally, achieve tangible results.