Case Studies

The Client

Astec are experts in providing and implementing complex solutions and services that improve operations in both the Manufacturing and the Broadcasting Industry.

They provide solutions which solve common manufacturing problems such as traceability, efficiency reporting, quality compliance reporting, data collection and secure storage, automation of changeover planning and secure audit trails. Astec implement solutions for many of the world's leading manufacturers across numerous vertical markets including Pharmaceutical, Brewing, Power & Utilities and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG).

Within the Broadcasting Industry, the Astec monitoring and control solutions provide a real-time operational overview of the status of a broadcasting platform, offering visibility and remote control capability across many elements of the broadcasting platform and its associated services. Their technology can aggregate information from many disparate data sources and monitor equipment from any vendor by authorised personnel from any location.

Their unique approach provides a single unified display of the state of a broadcasting operation. This allows for quicker, more informed decisions that ensure any broadcaster can maintain control of its assets.

The Task

Terry first met with Andy Tripp, Managing Director of Astec Solutions in Spring 2010 when they were experiencing a number of challenges mostly caused through a combination of growth pains and being able to work strategically ‘on’ the business as opposed to ‘in’ the business. More often than not it was very difficult to step away from micro-management, and find the hours to plan strategically.

At the time, it was recognised that there were a number of issues which deserved their attention. This included;

1. Planning Marketing Activities
2. Considering productising some software solutions
3. Engaging and responding to Tender invitations, and
4. Considering how to improve management effectiveness

The Solution

As Terry began working with Andy Tripp and Chris Barlow, Directors of Astec Solutions, it became very apparent quite quickly that the most critical issue to address would be improving management effectiveness. There was a requirement for Astec Solutions to improve their Internal Processes and Procedures in order that they could focus more time on working on the business as opposed to in the business. Inevitably in a small business, the Directors are too often pulled into the day-to-day running of a company, rather than overseeing it and focusing on the key task of strategic business planning, and then translating it into operational activities.

Terry agreed with the Directors that they should be placing a larger emphasis on improving the internal infrastructure and processes in order to be able to deliver their solutions to their customers expectations and demonstrate they had the capacity to take on more work.

Over the first six months of an Executive Mentoring Programme, Terry worked very closely with Andy and Chris, encouraging them to focus on internal project management, customer communications and improved resource planning. By the end of the year the effort and time given to addressing Astec’s business challenges began to pay off, and their business began to grow considerably.

The Outcome

By improving management effectiveness and internal processes and procedures, Astec Solutions has experienced significant growth. In the last two financial years the business has seen a 25% year on year growth.

Now, able to prove to all their customers that they are in a position to deliver their services in a more organised and structured manner, Astec Solutions have been able to take their business to the next level.

Terry continues to work with Astec now as part of an ongoing Executive Mentoring Programme that assists them in further business growth and development. Andy Tripp, Managing Director, Astec Solutions says of Terry “We have used Terry's services since May 2010. He has become an invaluable member of the management team from the first day of his involvement. He calls on a wealth of relevant experience to provide a pragmatic and balanced sounding board for the continued development of our business. Our challenge will be to adapt so his services will no longer be required!”

As the UK economy is growing slowly but surely, Andy Tripp, Astec Solutions Managing Director said, “The future looks bright. Right now we are seeing encouraging business growth in both our manufacturing and broadcasting solutions”. Astec have also recently signed a Joint Venture Partnership with a US manufacturing solutions company, EnteGreat. This alliance will now enable them to enter new markets across the Atlantic.

With growth also in the Broadcasting sector, Astec Solutions have more than doubled their headcount over the last year and the business continues on moving to another level.

For more information about Astec Solutions visit www.astecsolutions.co.uk