Nicolas Franzwa
Partner & Managing Director, Munich
OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT
Businesses today are under pressure to do more with less as consumers demand greater personalization at lower cost. Investors are also demanding stronger revenue growth but sooner and with less capital. Leading companies are seeking to establish a competitive edge by launching aggressive new programs to streamline supply chains, improve manufacturing efficiency, and speed up product development.
Our teams have both “in-industry” management and consulting experience along the entire manufacturing and supply chain to help executive teams create and sustain value for their organizations.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
- Our real industry experience – Our deep experience as functional leaders in industry means we bring an immediate hands-on approach with practical solutions and proven results.
- Our senior teams – Our smaller senior team model, with decades of highly relevant experience, allows us to quickly anticipate known challenges and adjust plans accordingly. This level of experience means we are also prepared to assume interim management roles.
- Our pragmatic, owner mindset – We are decision- and action-oriented, committed to faster implementation of improvements through practical, realistic solutions that are appreciative of risks and tactics to mitigate them.
- Our commitment to sustainable results – We operate with a partnering mentality focused on shared risk and reward, building a level of trust that delivers superior outcomes for the long term.
What makes us different?
- Our real industry experience – Our deep experience as functional leaders in industry means we bring an immediate hands-on approach with practical solutions and proven results.
- Our senior teams – Our smaller senior team model, with decades of highly relevant experience, allows us to quickly anticipate known challenges and adjust plans accordingly. This level of experience means we are also prepared to assume interim management roles.
- Our pragmatic, owner mindset – We are decision- and action-oriented, committed to faster implementation of improvements through practical, realistic solutions that are appreciative of risks and tactics to mitigate them.
- Our commitment to sustainable results – We operate with a partnering mentality focused on shared risk and reward, building a level of trust that delivers superior outcomes for the long term.
- Our real industry experience – Our deep experience as functional leaders in industry means we bring an immediate hands-on approach with practical solutions and proven results.
- Our senior teams – Our smaller senior team model, with decades of highly relevant experience, allows us to quickly anticipate known challenges and adjust plans accordingly. This level of experience means we are also prepared to assume interim management roles.
- Our pragmatic, owner mindset – We are decision- and action-oriented, committed to faster implementation of improvements through practical, realistic solutions that are appreciative of risks and tactics to mitigate them.
- Our commitment to sustainable results – We operate with a partnering mentality focused on shared risk and reward, building a level of trust that delivers superior outcomes for the long term.
Recent insights
Our services include:
Manufacturing and Warehouse Rapid Turnaround
- In manufacturing and warehouse turnarounds, we focus on operational levers across production and support areas to identify and drive step change improvements
- In plant turnarounds, we are more directive and participative, which includes taking interim roles where appropriate
- Our turnarounds emphasize: yield, throughput, and sustainable cost reductions while identifying prospective long-term opportunities as well
Manufacturing/distribution Footprint Redesign
- We rank practical scenarios for the manufacturing and distribution networks for strategic situations including M&A, disruptions or demand forecasts
- This includes the number, size, and geographic placement of distribution sites required to successfully fulfill customer demands, including direct shipments from manufacturing sites, distribution centers, warehouses, and store locations
- Footprint optimization also addresses inventory stocking strategies, such as stocking products locally, regionally, or nationally.
Distribution Operations and 3PL Sourcing
- We address ‘4-wall’ operations of distribution and fulfillment facilities
- We focus on key levers to improve distribution facility productivity and operational efficiency
- We work with clients to evaluate in-sourcing and out-sourcing alternatives for fulfillment operations
End-to-end Supply Chain Transformation
- We take a holistic approach when assessing the entire inter-connected supply chain by accounting for the specific trade-offs and interdependencies throughout the global network
- We deploy our QuickStrikeSM framework to assess, design, and implement solutions that address today’s increasingly complex global supply chains
- End to end supply chain transformations often require cross-functional coordination and input from across the organization, including Commercial, Production, Logistics, Procurement, Finance, and IT
Fleet Operations and Transportation Performance Improvement
- We provide services across the whole fleet management value chain i.e., Sales, EBITDA, CAPEX, Cash flow improvement, potential tax benefits as well as solutions to optimize
- We deploy an Organization, Process, and Technology review to understand potential improvements, the level of cohesion between transportation management and firm strategy, and the best path forward
- We work with clients to evaluate in-sourcing and out-sourcing alternatives for both transportation management and fleet operations
Insights on global supply chain disruption
After nearly three decades of expansion, the forces of globalization—which have helped fuel economic growth through greater trade, exchange, and openness—are in retreat. Barriers are going up, and global trade declining. Protectionism is on the rise. And while it is too soon to quantify the extent and duration of the disruption resulting from the crisis in Ukraine, it is already clear that the ripple effects will be immense and long-lasting.
Ongoing supply chain challenges spell the growing need for resiliency and sustainability. Read insights on how business leaders are reinventing their organizations amidst ongoing disruption.
LEARN MOREAfter nearly three decades of expansion, the forces of globalization—which have helped fuel economic growth through greater trade, exchange, and openness—are in retreat. Barriers are going up, and global trade declining. Protectionism is on the rise. And while it is too soon to quantify the extent and duration of the disruption resulting from the crisis in Ukraine, it is already clear that the ripple effects will be immense and long-lasting.
Ongoing supply chain challenges spell the growing need for resiliency and sustainability. Read insights on how business leaders are reinventing their organizations amidst ongoing disruption.
LEARN MORE
INDUSTRY 4.0: Removing the barriers to true interconnectivity and big-data-driven decision-making
Applying Industry 4.0 tools and techniques in manufacturing can catalyze change, improve and stabilize processes, and inform better business decision-making. But how do you keep value creation at pace as a priority and break down this complex digitalization journey towards a fully interconnected organizational state?
LEARN MOREApplying Industry 4.0 tools and techniques in manufacturing can catalyze change, improve and stabilize processes, and inform better business decision-making. But how do you keep value creation at pace as a priority and break down this complex digitalization journey towards a fully interconnected organizational state?
LEARN MORE
THE RESIN EFFECT: IMPACT FROM SHORTAGES AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
Across the US economy, prices continue to rise for many products – from building materials and household appliances to food and computer chips. Resin supplies in particular have seen a significant uptick, largely due to increasing demand, transportation issues, inclement weather events, and other challenges faced by businesses. While companies cannot control the market forces at play, they can do several things to mitigate the risk and impact of supply chain disruption. Read our report to learn about AlixPartners’ recommended four-step approach to better manage structural changes in the supply chain.
READ THE REPORTAcross the US economy, prices continue to rise for many products – from building materials and household appliances to food and computer chips. Resin supplies in particular have seen a significant uptick, largely due to increasing demand, transportation issues, inclement weather events, and other challenges faced by businesses. While companies cannot control the market forces at play, they can do several things to mitigate the risk and impact of supply chain disruption. Read our report to learn about AlixPartners’ recommended four-step approach to better manage structural changes in the supply chain.
READ THE REPORT
Increasing demand for building materials creates bottlenecks and new opportunities
Building materials have been in high demand – even before the pandemic. Low-interest rates in recent years led to a construction boon, which has only accelerated throughout 2020 and 2021 with lockdowns, a spike in home renovations, and greater adoption of remote work. But while demand for materials like lumber, iron and steel, cement and plastics has increased, certain factors like labor and health requirements have caused bottlenecks in the supply of crucial building materials. With these challenges and continued demand for these materials also come opportunities. Read on for key steps to take for a stronger supply chain.
DOWNLOAD THE REPORTBuilding materials have been in high demand – even before the pandemic. Low-interest rates in recent years led to a construction boon, which has only accelerated throughout 2020 and 2021 with lockdowns, a spike in home renovations, and greater adoption of remote work. But while demand for materials like lumber, iron and steel, cement and plastics has increased, certain factors like labor and health requirements have caused bottlenecks in the supply of crucial building materials. With these challenges and continued demand for these materials also come opportunities. Read on for key steps to take for a stronger supply chain.
DOWNLOAD THE REPORT
MYTH VERSUS REALITY: THE TRUTH BEHIND ADOPTING A LEAN APPROACH TO OPERATIONS
The philosophy and practice of lean have taken hold at large manufacturers worldwide. Now smaller manufacturers are adopting it as well—and in the process discovering some of the myths around lean’s purported flaws and shortcomings.
LEARN MORE
The philosophy and practice of lean have taken hold at large manufacturers worldwide. Now smaller manufacturers are adopting it as well—and in the process discovering some of the myths around lean’s purported flaws and shortcomings.
LEARN MORE
JOE CUBELLIS ON FREIGHTWAVES SUPPLY CHAIN SPOTLIGHT: SEIZE THE MOMENT
In an episode of Supply Chain Spotlight, AlixPartners Director Joe Cubellis discusses the recent pattern of disruption faced by many companies with J.T. Engstrom, Chief Strategy Officer of FreightWaves. Hear about how companies can best deal with those disruptions and what can be done to eliminate risk.
WATCH HEREIn an episode of Supply Chain Spotlight, AlixPartners Director Joe Cubellis discusses the recent pattern of disruption faced by many companies with J.T. Engstrom, Chief Strategy Officer of FreightWaves. Hear about how companies can best deal with those disruptions and what can be done to eliminate risk.
WATCH HERE
Americas
Businesses today are under pressure to do more with less as consumers demand greater personalization at lower cost. Investors are also demanding stronger revenue growth but sooner and with less capital. Leading companies are seeking to establish a competitive edge by launching aggressive new programs to streamline supply chains, improve manufacturing efficiency, and speed up product development.
Our teams have both “in-industry” management and consulting experience along the entire manufacturing and supply chain to help executive teams create and sustain value for their organizations.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
- Our real industry experience – Our deep experience as functional leaders in industry means we bring an immediate hands-on approach with practical solutions and proven results.
- Our senior teams – Our smaller senior team model, with decades of highly relevant experience, allows us to quickly anticipate known challenges and adjust plans accordingly. This level of experience means we are also prepared to assume interim management roles.
- Our pragmatic, owner mindset – We are decision- and action-oriented, committed to faster implementation of improvements through practical, realistic solutions that are appreciative of risks and tactics to mitigate them.
- Our commitment to sustainable results – We operate with a partnering mentality focused on shared risk and reward, building a level of trust that delivers superior outcomes for the long term.
What makes us different?
- Our real industry experience – Our deep experience as functional leaders in industry means we bring an immediate hands-on approach with practical solutions and proven results.
- Our senior teams – Our smaller senior team model, with decades of highly relevant experience, allows us to quickly anticipate known challenges and adjust plans accordingly. This level of experience means we are also prepared to assume interim management roles.
- Our pragmatic, owner mindset – We are decision- and action-oriented, committed to faster implementation of improvements through practical, realistic solutions that are appreciative of risks and tactics to mitigate them.
- Our commitment to sustainable results – We operate with a partnering mentality focused on shared risk and reward, building a level of trust that delivers superior outcomes for the long term.
- Our real industry experience – Our deep experience as functional leaders in industry means we bring an immediate hands-on approach with practical solutions and proven results.
- Our senior teams – Our smaller senior team model, with decades of highly relevant experience, allows us to quickly anticipate known challenges and adjust plans accordingly. This level of experience means we are also prepared to assume interim management roles.
- Our pragmatic, owner mindset – We are decision- and action-oriented, committed to faster implementation of improvements through practical, realistic solutions that are appreciative of risks and tactics to mitigate them.
- Our commitment to sustainable results – We operate with a partnering mentality focused on shared risk and reward, building a level of trust that delivers superior outcomes for the long term.
Recent insights
Our services include:
Manufacturing and Warehouse Rapid Turnaround
- In manufacturing and warehouse turnarounds, we focus on operational levers across production and support areas to identify and drive step change improvements
- In plant turnarounds, we are more directive and participative, which includes taking interim roles where appropriate
- Our turnarounds emphasize: yield, throughput, and sustainable cost reductions while identifying prospective long-term opportunities as well
Manufacturing/distribution Footprint Redesign
- We rank practical scenarios for the manufacturing and distribution networks for strategic situations including M&A, disruptions or demand forecasts
- This includes the number, size, and geographic placement of distribution sites required to successfully fulfill customer demands, including direct shipments from manufacturing sites, distribution centers, warehouses, and store locations
- Footprint optimization also addresses inventory stocking strategies, such as stocking products locally, regionally, or nationally.
Distribution Operations and 3PL Sourcing
- We address ‘4-wall’ operations of distribution and fulfillment facilities
- We focus on key levers to improve distribution facility productivity and operational efficiency
- We work with clients to evaluate in-sourcing and out-sourcing alternatives for fulfillment operations
End-to-end Supply Chain Transformation
- We take a holistic approach when assessing the entire inter-connected supply chain by accounting for the specific trade-offs and interdependencies throughout the global network
- We deploy our QuickStrikeSM framework to assess, design, and implement solutions that address today’s increasingly complex global supply chains
- End to end supply chain transformations often require cross-functional coordination and input from across the organization, including Commercial, Production, Logistics, Procurement, Finance, and IT
Fleet Operations and Transportation Performance Improvement
- We provide services across the whole fleet management value chain i.e., Sales, EBITDA, CAPEX, Cash flow improvement, potential tax benefits as well as solutions to optimize
- We deploy an Organization, Process, and Technology review to understand potential improvements, the level of cohesion between transportation management and firm strategy, and the best path forward
- We work with clients to evaluate in-sourcing and out-sourcing alternatives for both transportation management and fleet operations
Insights on global supply chain disruption
After nearly three decades of expansion, the forces of globalization—which have helped fuel economic growth through greater trade, exchange, and openness—are in retreat. Barriers are going up, and global trade declining. Protectionism is on the rise. And while it is too soon to quantify the extent and duration of the disruption resulting from the crisis in Ukraine, it is already clear that the ripple effects will be immense and long-lasting.
Ongoing supply chain challenges spell the growing need for resiliency and sustainability. Read insights on how business leaders are reinventing their organizations amidst ongoing disruption.
LEARN MOREAfter nearly three decades of expansion, the forces of globalization—which have helped fuel economic growth through greater trade, exchange, and openness—are in retreat. Barriers are going up, and global trade declining. Protectionism is on the rise. And while it is too soon to quantify the extent and duration of the disruption resulting from the crisis in Ukraine, it is already clear that the ripple effects will be immense and long-lasting.
Ongoing supply chain challenges spell the growing need for resiliency and sustainability. Read insights on how business leaders are reinventing their organizations amidst ongoing disruption.
LEARN MORE
INDUSTRY 4.0: Removing the barriers to true interconnectivity and big-data-driven decision-making
Applying Industry 4.0 tools and techniques in manufacturing can catalyze change, improve and stabilize processes, and inform better business decision-making. But how do you keep value creation at pace as a priority and break down this complex digitalization journey towards a fully interconnected organizational state?
LEARN MOREApplying Industry 4.0 tools and techniques in manufacturing can catalyze change, improve and stabilize processes, and inform better business decision-making. But how do you keep value creation at pace as a priority and break down this complex digitalization journey towards a fully interconnected organizational state?
LEARN MORE
THE RESIN EFFECT: IMPACT FROM SHORTAGES AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT THEM
Across the US economy, prices continue to rise for many products – from building materials and household appliances to food and computer chips. Resin supplies in particular have seen a significant uptick, largely due to increasing demand, transportation issues, inclement weather events, and other challenges faced by businesses. While companies cannot control the market forces at play, they can do several things to mitigate the risk and impact of supply chain disruption. Read our report to learn about AlixPartners’ recommended four-step approach to better manage structural changes in the supply chain.
READ THE REPORTAcross the US economy, prices continue to rise for many products – from building materials and household appliances to food and computer chips. Resin supplies in particular have seen a significant uptick, largely due to increasing demand, transportation issues, inclement weather events, and other challenges faced by businesses. While companies cannot control the market forces at play, they can do several things to mitigate the risk and impact of supply chain disruption. Read our report to learn about AlixPartners’ recommended four-step approach to better manage structural changes in the supply chain.
READ THE REPORT
Increasing demand for building materials creates bottlenecks and new opportunities
Building materials have been in high demand – even before the pandemic. Low-interest rates in recent years led to a construction boon, which has only accelerated throughout 2020 and 2021 with lockdowns, a spike in home renovations, and greater adoption of remote work. But while demand for materials like lumber, iron and steel, cement and plastics has increased, certain factors like labor and health requirements have caused bottlenecks in the supply of crucial building materials. With these challenges and continued demand for these materials also come opportunities. Read on for key steps to take for a stronger supply chain.
DOWNLOAD THE REPORTBuilding materials have been in high demand – even before the pandemic. Low-interest rates in recent years led to a construction boon, which has only accelerated throughout 2020 and 2021 with lockdowns, a spike in home renovations, and greater adoption of remote work. But while demand for materials like lumber, iron and steel, cement and plastics has increased, certain factors like labor and health requirements have caused bottlenecks in the supply of crucial building materials. With these challenges and continued demand for these materials also come opportunities. Read on for key steps to take for a stronger supply chain.
DOWNLOAD THE REPORT
MYTH VERSUS REALITY: THE TRUTH BEHIND ADOPTING A LEAN APPROACH TO OPERATIONS
The philosophy and practice of lean have taken hold at large manufacturers worldwide. Now smaller manufacturers are adopting it as well—and in the process discovering some of the myths around lean’s purported flaws and shortcomings.
LEARN MORE
The philosophy and practice of lean have taken hold at large manufacturers worldwide. Now smaller manufacturers are adopting it as well—and in the process discovering some of the myths around lean’s purported flaws and shortcomings.
LEARN MORE
JOE CUBELLIS ON FREIGHTWAVES SUPPLY CHAIN SPOTLIGHT: SEIZE THE MOMENT
In an episode of Supply Chain Spotlight, AlixPartners Director Joe Cubellis discusses the recent pattern of disruption faced by many companies with J.T. Engstrom, Chief Strategy Officer of FreightWaves. Hear about how companies can best deal with those disruptions and what can be done to eliminate risk.
WATCH HEREIn an episode of Supply Chain Spotlight, AlixPartners Director Joe Cubellis discusses the recent pattern of disruption faced by many companies with J.T. Engstrom, Chief Strategy Officer of FreightWaves. Hear about how companies can best deal with those disruptions and what can be done to eliminate risk.
WATCH HERE