Cutting Waste: Where to Begin?

1. Look at other successful companies and benchmark against their data. How is their spending allocated? Where does yours differ?

2. Examine cycle times. How many days beyond benchmark are you? What kind of cost savings could each day mean to your company?

a. Ask everyone involved – operations, purchasing, supervisors and even trade contractors – where the opportunities lie within your organization.

b. Look at your data. Examine site reports for gaps and discrepancies. Look for recurring incidents that waste time or materials.

c. Look at your team. Are there gaps in skills or policies that contribute to inefficiencies? Our last newsletter highlighted a trade that measured the cost of extended coffee break.

3. Synchronize your processes with your volume. Did you ramp up just in time to be caught by the deflating bubble? Your processes should be re-examined when your volume changes.

4. Create a team effort. Motivate everyone involved in your organization to identify areas for improvement – be sure to provide them with the proper training, encouragement and incentives.

Unify International's 18 years of success in the homebuilding industry is due to our people. Though many already know our founder, Steve McGee, from his work with NAHB and frequent speaking engagements, we invite you to meet our other team members. Construction experts with field experience, they know first-hand what works and what does not.

From financial analysts to technology developers, we're pleased to offer the industry's best for your company. Click here to read more about our team.

Because of our emphasis on builder and trade contractor relations and efficiencies, Unify International has grown profits for both sides. Do you work with anyone that could use our help? We'd welcome your referral. Thank you!