One of the challenges of running a manufacturing business is accessing information and assistance regarding the latest technology, processes and market information to help improve efficiency and growth.
Enterprise Connect is an Australian Government initiative administered by the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, that delivers practical support to thousands of small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The initiative provides SMEs with better access to new ideas, knowledge and technologies, to enable manufacturing businesses to become more innovative, efficient and competitive and to lift productivity across Australian industry.
Through a national network of Manufacturing and Innovation Centres, Enterprise Connect operates in collaboration with a range of partner organisations, including QMI Solutions. Over 50 highly skilled Business Advisers deliver integrated, practical services that help SMEs improve productivity, build internal capacity and capitalise on their growth potential. The Business Advisers are drawn from a variety of backgrounds and have extensive private sector experience at senior management levels.
Through Enterprise Connect, eligible SMEs can receive the following services.
Business Review: Eligible SMEs are matched with an experienced Business Adviser who works with the firm to;
- understand the firm's strategy and business operations
- identify strengths and opportunities, including benchmarking against best practice
- assess potential areas for growth and improvement
- help firms access world-class business tools, processes and technology
Each Business Review takes approximately four to five days of the adviser's time to complete and is at no financial cost to the firm.
Tailored Advisory Services (TAS): It's one thing to know what you need to do, it's another thing to make it happen. TAS funding helps firms to implement changes recommended by the Business Review by providing financial support and expert advice. Through Enterprise Connect, the Australian Government will reimburse half the cost – up to a maximum of $20,000 – to engage external service providers to help with implementing the recommended change projects including;
- Lean Manufacturing/office
- Supply Chain Management
- strategic business planning
- resource management
- new product/service development
- export strategy
- business and quality management systems
In Queensland alone, manufacturing businesses have accessed close to $1 million worth of Federal funding to support recommendations in the Business Reviews. Over 200 Queensland manufacturing businesses have applied for a Business Review and over 70 have applied for TAS funding.
Enterprise Connect is also working closely with partner organisation QMI Solutions, which in partnership with the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) offers a range of Best Practice Support Projects (BPSP) at subsidies ranging from 50 – 100%. Companies that are serious about implementing manufacturing-related improvement initiatives highlighted in the Business Review may be eligible for a BPSP through QMI Solutions.
One such company that has seen the direct benefits of the partnership between Enterprise Connect and QMI Solutions is Brisbane-based hydraulic cylinder manufacturer PTE Hydraulics Pty Ltd. Paul Avery, Business Adviser with Enterprise Connect Queensland assisted the company with a Business Review in March 2009, which highlighted some strategic and operational based issues within the company. PTE's part-owner, Director of Production and Marketing Peter Harrison said "the Business Review forced us to compare ourselves to similar organisations and see where our weaknesses lie. With the current economic crisis, we need to make sure that we're at the top of our game, and the Business Review helped us to determine how we're going to get there."
PTE enlisted the help of QMI Solutions to address the manufacturing-related issues that came out of the Business Review. Mr Harrison said "PTE has been a long term client of QMI Solutions, and we've implemented quite a few improvement initiatives including Waste Reduction activities, Visual Performance Measures, Effective Maintenance and Value Stream Mapping. The Business Review was very valuable, not only did it give us confirmation that we're on the right track with our current improvement initiatives, but it also highlighted other areas that need attention. As a result, we're about to commence a subsidised BPSP on Set-up Time Reduction with QMI Solutions."
A strategic suggestion in the Business Review was for PTE to consider expanding its market offering to include a repair and refurbishment service for hydraulic units. The company is currently undertaking a feasibility study for this recommendation and will apply for TAS funding in due course.
"The good thing now is that in the economic downturn, our customers are looking for delivery on time, quality and cost savings. That's all been helped by the processes we have gone through with Enterprise Connect and QMI Solutions. We would be nowhere near as competitive as we are if we hadn't done that," Mr Harrison said.
To be eligible for an individual Business Review, a company must have been operating within the manufacturing industry or the manufacturing supply chain for at least three years and have an annual turnover between $1.5 - $100 million. Companies with an annual turnover from $1 million may be eligible for a Group Business Review. For more information or to apply for Enterprise Connect services, visit www.enterpriseconnect.gov.au or call 131 791.