Productivity Assessment

Clarity, focus, and a practical roadmap for measurable improvement

Every manufacturing business is unique. Some are growing rapidly and managing the pressures of success; others are navigating tougher market conditions or balancing multiple priorities. Wherever your organisation is on that journey, productivity sits at the heart of long-term success. The Manufacturers Network Productivity Assessment helps leadership teams’ step back and gain a clear, objective view of performance. It highlights where value is being created, where it’s being lost, and what actions will have the greatest impact.

Many senior teams and boards have used the Productivity Assessment to set strategy, align priorities, and measure performance against strategic goals. For others, it’s been the catalyst for a structured improvement plan that delivers measurable results.

We see it as the first step in partnership. We don’t arrive to criticise or tell you what you already know, we work alongside you, combining your knowledge of the business with our experience from manufacturing sites across the world. Together, we identify opportunities, remove barriers, and build a clear plan to move your business forward.

Our Approach

Our approach is structured yet flexible, designed to give you meaningful insight quickly while engaging your people at every level.

Preparation and Review

We start by analysing your performance data, objectives, and priorities to ensure our time focuses where it will make the biggest difference.

On-Site Assessment

Two of our practitioners spend a minimum of two days on site, observing processes, engaging with teams, and exploring performance across all functions. We use data, interviews, and Gemba observations to build a balanced view.

Findings and Report

You receive a detailed report summarising strengths, opportunities, and practical recommendations. The focus is on solutions and outcomes, not theory — we draw from real-world experience and best practice.

Planning Session

Together, we translate the findings into a 12-month improvement plan. This session builds ownership, aligns leadership, and sets measurable priorities. Find our more.

What We Assess

Every assessment explores the technical, cultural, and behavioural factors that shape productivity. Typical focus areas include:

Strategy Alignment
Safety, workplace organisation, and environment
Quality performance and customer experience
Flow, waste, and process efficiency
People capability, leadership, and engagement
Equipment effectiveness and reliability
Inventory management and material flow
Visual management, performance metrics, and accountability
Culture, communication, and problem-solving capability

We use a high-level scoring tool to benchmark current performance against recognised best practice, supported by evidence and examples of improvement potential.

What You’ll Receive

A comprehensive Productivity Assessment Report, highlighting opportunities and strengths.

A Benchmark Score, comparing your current position with best practice standards.

A 12-Month Improvement Plan, co-developed with your leadership team.

Prioritised actions that balance quick wins with longer-term goals.

Clear recommendations to support measurable productivity gains - typically 10% or more.

Our Role

We act as an extension of your team - practical, objective, and focused on helping you achieve your goals.

Our practitioners bring years of hands-on manufacturing experience, having worked in and with organisations across sectors including food, packaging, automotive, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.

We approach every assessment with empathy and professionalism. We understand that every business has its challenges - and that improvement is only sustainable when it’s built on trust, collaboration, and shared ownership.

Why Organisations Choose This Approach

Provides an independent, evidence-based perspective.

Builds alignment between operations and strategy.

Identifies measurable opportunities for improvement.

Establishes a clear plan for the next 12 months.

Creates the foundation for continued support through our Productivity Partnership programme.

Take the First Step

Change starts with clarity. Book your Productivity Assessment & Planning session and take the first step towards a more productive, resilient, and sustainable future. Available initially to the first 30 companies as part of our new subscription launch.

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