Queensland manufacturers now have more flexible access to industry expertise and Queensland Government subsidised services, through QMI Solutions' Third Party Providers (TPP) Partnership program.
QMI Solutions' CEO Jim Walker said increased demand and the need for flexibility warranted the development of a formal TPP program.
"For some time, QMI Solutions engaged the help of external consultancies to assist in the delivery of its products and services. Increased demand for QMI Solution's assistance meant a more formalised third party partnership program needed to be adopted," said Mr Walker. He said the main benefits of the program meant increased capacity and capability.
"Firstly, workloads are dependent on customer availability. By effectively increasing our team of consultants, we increase our capability and capacity and are able to more flexibly deliver when the customer is available.
"Secondly, we are broadening our delivery capability. For example, if a customer requires a skill outside the core competencies of QMI Solutions, we can refer them to one of our TPPs with skills in that area.
"Thirdly, QMI Solutions staff spends less time delivering established products and are freed up to spend time focusing on increasing the uptake of new technologies and practices," said Mr Walker.
Mr Walker said that while QMI Solutions leads the charge in improving the uptake of the latest practices and technologies to Queensland's strong manufacturing sector, there are a number of specialised companies that provide supporting services to manufacturers.
"Our role is to help Queensland manufacturers become more competitive through providing best practice advice and specialist training subsidised by Queensland Government funding. However, if achieving the best result for our clients means channelling our funding to local, specialist service providers, then that's what we'll do. It's a smart option for all involved," said Mr Walker.
The nine companies approved as part of the TPP program are; Management Effect, Xelocity, Efficiency Works, Corporate Partners, Gibsons JBS, L&SC Strategies, K&MT, Convergenius and Deloittes.
One of the nine consultancies selected to partner with QMI Solutions is Logistics & Supply Chain Strategies (L&SC Strategies), a Rockhampton-based management consultancy specialising in logistics and supply chain management, maintenance engineering, quality business systems and organisational development.
Founding Director of L&SC Strategies Sharyn Grant said, as one of the nine consultancies on QMI Solutions' preferred TPP list, they were committed to supporting the company in assisting manufacturers Queensland-wide.
"We were delighted to be selected because being one of QMI Solutions' preferred TPP partners' provides an excellent avenue of opportunity for us and has definitely boosted L&SC Strategies' position within the sector.
"It really is a win/win situation for everyone involved. As one of QMI Solutions' preferred TPP partners, we gain exposure to a broader marketplace and can offer our services to manufacturing companies knowing they have access to Government funding. By using L&SC Strategies, QMI Solutions receives a bespoke service on a localised level to ensure the best solution for their clients, when demands on their own people and services are over-stretched," said Ms Grant.
TPP partners will also benefit from quarterly/half yearly reviews between QMI Solutions and the collective group during which learnings and experiences will be shared and ongoing relationships strengthened. The partnership process can also be a two-way street with many of QMI Solution's TPPs referring their own clients to QMI Solution's broader suite of services.
QMI Solutions CEO Jim Walker believes the partnership truly benefits all parties involved.
"QMI Solutions maintains its position as Australia's premier 'technology diffusion agency', smaller consultancies can offer a more competitive service and manufacturers receive a finely tailored package to suit their specific requirements.
"Although dedicated QMI Solutions consultants continue to work directly with the majority of our clients, having our TPP partners on hand strengthens our business offering and bolsters our position as providers of total, integrated solutions," said Mr Walker.
QMI Solutions already works closely with many local bodies and organisations to deliver these solutions. However, the TPP partnership program takes QMI Solutions' commitment to the manufacturing industry that one step further providing a more formal agreement with local consultancies to ensure Queensland Government funding reaches all levels of the sector.