A Lean Perspective from VantagePoint

Posted by: Matt Benaron

New Challenges - The Same Approach

Our lean approach to projects has never been more relevant. With critical finance projects still essential for our customers, how do we ensure maximum return on investment in these uncertain times?

Change is hard. We try to make it as easy as possible.

Where to start? 

Our initial priority is to always consider how we can achieve the best results in the shortest lead time that's sustainable.

This starts with consistently seeking to understand as much as possible about that client's unique needs and ways of working from the very first discussion.

Creating short and long-term value to the business and to the people we work for is the number one priority. When cash flow is at the forefront of all of our minds and the balance of transformation is weighed alongside business continuity, value for time is even more important.

We start with the alignment of project goals to the wider finance and other business functions. We never underestimate the power of vision and the problems caused by under or miscommunicating that vision.

Every relationship built is a long-term partnership opportunity and we know that our work has an impact on real people’s day jobs. We respect that our clients are busy and so we don’t overburden them with wasteful work or reports if we can help it.

Working together

Once we’ve committed to a project, we work directly with clients to build quality into each phase to avoid start-stop-start project delays and ensure we understand, exploit and manage variability throughout.

We build and integrate frequently making informed decisions via fast technical and soft feedback.

Our reputation is built on delivering outcomes through challenging circumstances. This could not be achieved without applying innovative solutions to everything we do; technology, projects and expert resources.

If something doesn’t look or feel right during a project, we will be the first to raise our hands and bring it to our clients’ attention where we solve the problem together.

This approach to consistent feedback means that projects stay on track for success.

Maintaining high standards

We take an iterative approach not only to projects but to our values and company culture as a whole. 

At VantagePoint, we’re always seeking ways to improve; this is the case before, during and after every single project. We consider the facts carefully and act quickly.

We apply lean tools to identify and address the root causes and shortcomings. The quality of work can only be improved if we consistently collect and action feedback from our clients.

Where competitors may allow complacency to creep in, VantagePoint ensures that every person on a project is absolutely the right fit both personally and professionally. We never declare victory too soon and ensure that the finished product is exactly what's required and no less.