Case Study
Mastering Complexity

Smart SKU management that cut waste and boosted efficiency.
A practical solution delivering lasting supply chain success.

The Iplex Journey to Smarter SKU Management

Our Managing Director, Eric Allgood, collaborated with Iplex to deliver a thorough review and optimisation of their SKU management processes. This project exemplified how targeted expertise can simplify complex operations, enhance governance, and set the foundation for sustainable growth.

Context and Opportunities

As a recognised leader in manufacturing and distribution, Iplex operates across diverse business models, including wholesale and project-based supply. Each model brings unique demands, particularly in managing extensive product lifecycles and meeting dynamic market requirements. Recognising these challenges as opportunities for improvement, Iplex demonstrated its commitment to innovation, quality, and operational excellence by embarking on this project.

Strategic Approach

Eric Allgood brought his governance, compliance, and risk management expertise to the project, ensuring a solutions-driven approach aligned with Iplex’s operational and strategic objectives. With a focus on collaboration and actionable outcomes, the project was structured to build on Iplex’s existing strengths while addressing key areas for improvement.

  1. Stakeholder Engagement
    Eric conducted over 20 in-depth interviews and facilitated workshops with Iplex’s leadership and staff. This inclusive process ensured that insights from all levels of the organisation informed the project’s direction. Iplex’s proactive engagement reflected its commitment to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
  2. Process Mapping and Insights
    By mapping SKU management workflows from customer inquiries to end-of-life decisions, Eric identified opportunities to streamline processes and align operations with Iplex’s dual business models. This detailed analysis uncovered efficiencies that supported both wholesale and project-based supply chains.
  3. Governance Framework Development
    Leveraging his extensive experience in risk management and organisational compliance, Eric designed a governance framework tailored to Iplex’s complex operations. Recommendations included structured SKU rationalisation processes, enhanced risk mitigation strategies, and clear departmental roles and responsibilities. These measures were aimed at ensuring operational efficiency and compliance with regulatory standards.

Cultural Alignment

Recognising the importance of organisational culture, Eric facilitated workshops and collaborative exercises to strengthen innovation and accountability across Iplex’s teams. These efforts empowered staff and aligned their focus with the company’s strategic goals.

Tangible Outcomes

This partnership delivered meaningful and enduring results for Iplex, demonstrating the value of combining internal commitment with external expertise:

  • Enhanced Efficiency
    Streamlined SKU workflows reduced estimation times and improved responsiveness, enabling Iplex to effectively meet customer demands.
  • Stronger Governance
    The introduction of a governance framework provided greater alignment with industry standards, mitigating risks and reinforcing accountability.
  • Strategic Alignment
    Clear and structured processes positioned Iplex to manage the complexities of its operations, ensuring seamless service delivery across both wholesale and project-based models.
  • Empowered Teams
    By involving staff throughout the project, Iplex strengthened collaboration and ownership, building a solid foundation for future innovation and growth.

A Model for Success

This project highlighted the strength of Iplex’s proactive approach and its dedication to operational excellence. Through the expertise provided by Eric Allgood, Iplex successfully transformed challenges into opportunities, reinforcing its leadership in the industry and their commitment to continuous improvement.

Please Note:
SBAAS undertook this project through HCi, a third-party technical writing and temporary placement company. Eric Allgood, an SBAAS consultant with extensive experience in governance, compliance, risk management, and business strategy, was placed with Iplex to deliver this work.

Our Small Business Consulting Services

Small Business Consulting With SBAAS

At SBAAS, we provide clear advice and practical solutions to help your small business succeed. Whether you are starting a new venture or improving your current operations, our expert consultants are here to guide you.

We assess your business needs, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement strategies that drive growth and increase efficiency. Our services focus on delivering results that matter to your business.

Our Services:

  • Business Strategy: We create actionable plans that align with your goals, helping you stay on track and measure progress effectively.
  • Financial Guidance: From budgeting to managing cash flow, we ensure your finances support profitability and long-term stability.
  • Marketing and Sales Support: We help you reach your target customers with cost-effective strategies to grow your revenue.
  • Operations Management: Simplify processes, reduce costs, and improve productivity with our tailored operational guidance.
  • Start-Up Assistance: Launch your business with confidence using our support, including market analysis and business planning.

Our goal is simple: to help you overcome challenges and build a strong foundation for your business’s future.

Ready to grow? 

Why Choose Us?

At SBAAS, we focus on delivering clear, practical solutions that produce real results. Our experienced team works closely with you to understand your business challenges and goals. We provide advice that is easy to apply and helps your business grow efficiently.

Why Businesses Choose SBAAS
  • Expert Team: Our consultants bring years of experience across industries, ensuring you receive reliable, informed guidance.
  • Clear Communication: We explain strategies in straightforward terms, so you always understand the steps involved.
  • Practical Solutions: We provide actionable recommendations that are simple to implement and lead to measurable improvements.
  • Customised Support: Every plan we create is specific to your business, addressing your unique needs and goals.

Choose SBAAS for the support you can trust. We focus on what matters most—helping your business succeed.

Case Studies

What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

Frequently Asked Questions

What is small business consulting?

Small business consulting is a professional service where experienced consultants provide strategic advice, guidance, and support to help small businesses improve their performance. Consultants analyse your current operations, identify areas for improvement, and recommend solutions to help you achieve your business objectives. Consulting aims to provide business owners with expert insights that can enhance productivity, profitability, and long-term growth.

Consultants may work on various services, including business planning, marketing strategy, financial forecasting, operations management, and risk management. By collaborating with a consultant, you can access expert advice that may be too costly or complex to develop in-house.

The most needed types of consulting for small businesses generally fall into these categories:

  • Business Strategy and Planning: Helping businesses define their goals and create a roadmap for achieving them.
  • Financial Consulting: Offering advice on managing cash flow, budgeting, and forecasting to ensure financial health.
  • Marketing and Sales: Helping businesses develop and execute effective marketing strategies to reach new customers and increase revenue.
  • Operations and Efficiency: Optimising internal processes to reduce costs, improve productivity, and streamline operations.
  • Human Resources: Providing advice on talent acquisition, employee management, and building a strong workplace culture.

Choosing the right type of consulting will depend on your specific business challenges and growth objectives.

The cost of a business consultant varies depending on the scope of the project, the consultant’s experience, and the duration of the engagement. Fees can range from hourly rates to fixed project prices. Discussing your needs with a consultant to get a tailored quote that aligns with your budget is essential.

Consultants should have relevant qualifications in business, law, finance, or related fields. Equally important is their experience; a good consultant should have a proven track record of helping businesses achieve their goals, with expertise and a deep understanding of your challenges.

Business consultants analyse a company’s operations, identify areas for improvement, and provide actionable recommendations. They may assist with business strategy, market positioning, process optimisation, financial management, etc. Their role is to guide businesses towards achieving their objectives with expertise and practical solutions.

One potential disadvantage is the cost, which can be significant for small businesses. Additionally, if a consultant doesn’t fully understand your business or industry, their recommendations may not be practical. Choosing a consultant with the right expertise and a clear understanding of your goals.

You should consider hiring a small business consultant when you need specialised knowledge, a fresh perspective, or assistance with achieving specific business goals. Here are a few signs that it may be time to bring in a consultant:

  • Growth Challenges: If you’re struggling to scale your business or expand into new markets.
  • Financial Trouble: If you’re facing cash flow issues or need help with financial planning.
  • Operational Efficiency: If your processes are inefficient or you’re looking for ways to streamline operations.
  • Lack of Expertise: When you need expert advice in areas like marketing, HR, or technology but don’t have in-house resources.

A consultant can help you tackle these challenges effectively, allowing you to focus on what you do best while they handle the complexities.

Choosing the right business consultant for your small business is crucial for success. Here are some factors to consider:

  • Expertise: Ensure the consultant has experience in the areas where you need help (e.g., financial management, marketing, or operations).
  • Track Record: Look for a consultant with a proven history of working with small businesses and delivering results.
  • Compatibility: The consultant should be someone you feel comfortable working with and who understands your business values.
  • References: Ask for testimonials or case studies from past clients to gauge their effectiveness and approach.

By taking the time to find the right consultant, you can ensure that your business will receive the expert support it needs to succeed.

Hiring a business consultant is often worth the investment, as they bring specialised knowledge and an outside perspective that can significantly improve performance, efficiency, and profitability. Their expertise can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your business is on the right path.

Consultants should avoid making decisions without thoroughly understanding your business, imposing their solutions without collaboration, or focusing solely on short-term gains at the expense of long-term sustainability. A good consultant works with you, not just for you.

Small businesses and non-profits often need more resources and tight budgets. Consultants provide the expertise required to overcome these challenges, offering strategies for growth, efficiency, and sustainability. They help organisations focus on their core missions while ensuring compliance and operational success

A bad consultant lacks relevant experience, fails to listen to client needs, and offers generic solutions that don’t fit the business’s specific challenges. Poor communication, lack of follow-through, and one who prioritises short-term revenue gains over the long-term health of your business. By focusing solely on boosting profits, they may neglect other critical aspects of your operation, such as risk management, compliance, and sustainable growth. This narrow approach can put your business at significant risk, as it fails to address the interconnected challenges that must be managed to ensure lasting success. A good consultant takes a holistic approach, considering all facets of your business to deliver balanced, sustainable results that support your long-term goals.

Our Clients

Our Clients - Not for Profit

Our Clients - Government

Articles

A practical Industry 4.0 strategy for Australian SMEs, with a staged roadmap, skills advice and clear actions.

The Industry 4.0 Strategy Australian SMEs Can Use Today

Stop Standing Still: The Industry 4.0 Strategy Australian SMEs Can Use Today What To Do..

Learn how to identify and fix 5 significant compliance risks that could expose your SME to unnecessary legal and financial trouble.

5 Compliance Risks SMEs Can’t Ignore

5 Compliance Risks SMEs Can’t Ignore Financial compliance is a critical area in which Australian..

small business debt recovery, SME debt recovery Australia, credit control, debt collection, QCAT, payment terms, invoicing, PPSR, late payments, Payment Times Reporting Scheme, SME cash flow, Queensland, Australia business law, letter of demand, enforcement

Small Business Debt Recovery: The Australian Playbook To Get Paid Faster

Stop the Slow Pay: The Small Business Debt Recovery Playbook Australian SMEs Can Use Today..

Ready to take your business to the next level?

Skip to content