LeanManufacturing.com Frequently Asked Questions

1. I’m a consultant.  What value do I get from a Premium account?

Premium accounts for Consultants include all of the basic services and

• • • Access to private RFPs (emailed directly to you and not posted on the board)
    • Additional vetting to increase buyer confidence in your abilities
    • Feedback on RFP’s where you weren’t selected
    • An annual profile review to help you enhance your win rate.

2. What do I need to do to be prepared for the consultant application process?

You need to have all of your consulting information ready when you start.  This includes past performance information, references, and information necessary to complete IRS form W-9.

3. Can I appeal if my application is rejected?

Yes. We provide any and all reasons why your application was rejected and you have the opportunity to appeal.

4. What do you do to keep the talent pool from becoming too diluted?

Our administrators limit new consultant enrollment by total number of consultants and by number of consultants in each service/expertise area to ensure there is sufficient RFP value for existing consultants.

5. I received an email stating my application was accepted, however account creation is on hold. What does that mean?

This is an indication that consultant enrollment has exceeded our current limits based on buyer account quantity and RFP volume. Your account has been placed on a wait list; when new slots become available we will reach out to you. No payment is required until you are ready for enrollment.

6. Can consultants cancel their subscription at any time?

Consultant subscriptions are annual subscriptions and may be paid either in one payment or in monthly installments.  Consultants may cancel their subscription effective on their anniversary date but are still responsible for any unpaid balance between anniversary dates.  We do this because business development is most effective when done continually.

Refunds will not be given for any remaining portion of their annual subscription payment if the consultant decides to stop using the platform between anniversary dates.

7. I’m a buyer.  Am I committed to anything when I register with LeanManufacturing.com?

There is no monetary commitment to LeanManufacturing.com when you register as a buyer.  You are expected to draft and post a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a lean, continuous process improvement, and/or Six Sigma project that your business needs to accomplish (but this is really nothing more than organizing your thoughts about the project, which you would need to do anyway).  After the RFP is posted, you will receive proposals from our vetted consultants and you may proceed at your discretion from there.

Lean Manufacturing.com is free to buyers who sign up for a basic membership. We encourage companies to sign up when they have a ‘Just Do It’, event, or project for which they need lean consulting expertise and are actively seeking lean consultants.

8. What do I need to do to be prepared for the buyer application process?

Simply provide us your name, email address, company name, company website URL, and basic information on the work you need. We will research the rest.

9. I know that my business needs help and I’m interested in lean and continuous process improvement, but I am unsure where to start.  Can LeanManufacturing.com help me?

Yes.  LeanManufacturing.com will arrange a visit to your site(s) to help you assess your needs and priorities for lean and continuous process improvement.  Further, we can work with you (or even FOR you) to draft an RFP for a project to tackle your highest priority need(s).  Contact us about this service and its cost.

10. I know that my business needs help and I’m interested in lean and continuous process improvement, but I don’t have enough time in my schedule to create a RFP, sort through consulting candidates and their proposals, execute contracts, and manage the project.  Can LeanManufacturing.com help me?

Yes.  In addition to what we offer to assess your needs and priorities (shown above), LeanManufacturing.com can

• • • Draft your RFP
    • Review and down-select your consultant candidates and their proposals
    • Draft your contracting documents
    • Manage the effort as your prime contractor (with the chosen consultants as our subcontractors)
    • We can also offer various combinations of these services to suit your needs
    • Contact us and we can discuss your needs

11. Do I have to use the invoicing and expense tracking systems from LeanManufacturing.com?

No. These systems are available for your use as either a consultant or a buyer, at a low fee, but they are not required.