The Step3 Process The Step3 Consulting methodology focuses upon nine integrated processes to deliver a measurable ROI in our consulting engagements. These include:

1. Optimal Performance Management System (OPMS®) Our proprietary “balanced scorecard” that creates visual accountability to sustain continuous improvement processes, to maximize ROI, and to manage by objectives. 2. Capital Allocation Optimization A disciplined approach to capital expense reduction. Ensures optimized use of existing assets prior to further investment. Provides alternative scenarios before a major financial commitment is made. Simulates production before expenditures are made. Provides support for layout changes and consolidation efforts. Can reduce capital expenditures by up to 50%. 3. Business Process Reengineering Radical redesign and simplification of core business processes to achieve dramatic improvement in productivity, cycle times, quality and service levels. 4. SG&A Optimization Improves productivity and quality of service in administrative areas relative to people, overhead, capital investment, and customers. 5. Planning & Scheduling/Inventory Management A proven methodology to provide an integrated planning and scheduling process designed to: Improve enterprise scheduling. Improve product flow. Optimize inventory levels. Improve customer service and on-time delivery levels. 6. Supply Chain Optimizes the current internal and external supply chain process to deliver superior levels of cost controls, service, product design, inventory control and management support. 7. Lean Operations Utilizes Lean/Continuous Improvement Principles to: Increase marketable capacity. Reduce lead times. Increase productivity. Decrease inventory levels. Improve cost of quality. 8. Total Productive Maintenance Transitions clients from reactive to predictive maintenance process by implementing: Effective work order system. Preventative maintenance disciplines. Critical parts/MRO inventory model. 9. Total Quality Management Marries customer value and performance requirements to product and service specifications with the goal of producing with zero defects.