The idea for our Optimization Assessment didn’t come from a brainstorming session or a formal planning process. It came from a conversation.
After returning from a site visit, Jason Shinniger, our Project Manager of Food Operations, had a sync with me about his latest visit. He had spent a few hours on the floor of a small manufacturing facility, observing workflows, asking questions, and engaging with the team. Nothing about the visit was flashy. But as he started sharing what he had seen, I could tell it had been meaningful.
He talked through a few of the things he noticed, how a small adjustment in the layout could improve flow, how job tracking gaps were leading to scheduling challenges, and how some of the pain points the client mentioned could be resolved without large investments, just smarter use of what they already had. It was clear he had made a big impact in a short amount of time.
As we kept talking, something clicked for both of us. That short visit, guided by experience and focused attention, had surfaced real, actionable insights. It wasn’t a sales conversation, and the client wasn’t expecting a formal report. But what Jason had done was listen, observe, and reflect back a clear picture of what was happening, deliver value immediately.
We realized that this kind of interaction wasn’t just helpful. It was something we could build on.
That conversation was the inspiration for what we now call the Optimization Assessment.
A Service Designed for the Reality of Today’s Manufacturers
At CIFT, we work closely with small to mid-sized manufacturers and food processors across our region and Ohio. We know these teams are often stretched thin. They’re busy keeping operations moving, supporting their workforce, managing supply chain issues, and staying competitive. That constant pressure makes it difficult to step back and evaluate what’s working and where improvements are possible.
As a nonprofit consultancy, our mission is to help these companies grow. We do that by offering expert support in ways that fit their reality, not ours. That means being efficient with their time, practical in our guidance, and honest about what will truly make a difference.
The Optimization Assessment reflects that approach. It starts with a brief discovery call, followed by a focused site visit or virtual review. Then, our team delivers a structured summary of where the operation stands, including current strengths, priority areas for improvement, and short- and long-term strategic focus points. We also include key questions to help your team reflect and take action, whether or not you choose to work with us moving forward.
Clarity That Creates Momentum
The Optimization Assessment is built to stand on its own. You are not committing to a project or a proposal. You are investing a small amount of time to gain perspective, insight, and a foundation for better decisions.
Sometimes the most valuable progress begins not with a plan, but with a conversation. That is how this service started, through a discussion with a team member who saw something others had missed. We have seen firsthand how a fresh set of eyes can uncover hidden gaps and spark ideas that lead to measurable results.
See What a Fresh Perspective Can Do for You
If you think your team could benefit from an outside perspective, we would love to talk. The process is simple, the insights are practical, and the next steps are entirely up to you.