Operational Improvement Consulting for Portland Manufacturers
Fix bottlenecks, reduce waste, and build repeatable systems that scale — without adding headcount or working harder.
Who This Is For
This service is designed for manufacturers who are experiencing growth strain, tribal-knowledge dependency, or inconsistent performance, but are not yet ready (or do not need) a fractional COO.
Symptoms may include:
Firefighting is normal and expected
Too much work depends on a few key people
Schedules constantly shift and priorities collide
Training is informal and undocumented
Workflows are unclear or change based on “who’s working today”
Leaders want better performance but lack time to build systems
What We Do
We help manufacturers see, simplify, and systemize the work that powers day-to-day operations.
Typical focus areas include:
✔ Workflow mapping and Lean improvement (VSM, 5S, Kaizen, SMED)
✔ KPI, scorecard, and accountability system design
✔ SOP creation, standard work, and onboarding systems
✔ Inventory, WIP, and scheduling optimization
✔ ERP utilization and process automation
✔ Cross-functional alignment and handoff clarity
✔ Quality system readiness & ISO 9001:2015 compliance pathways
Note: Work is customized to your constraints — not generic Lean “checklists.”
What Working Together Looks Like
1️⃣ Discovery & Assessment
A structured diagnostic to clarify goals, validate assumptions, and identify root causes.
2️⃣ 60-90 Day Improvement Blueprint
We co-build a prioritized improvement plan using your people + your real work, not theoretical frameworks.
3️⃣ Implementation & Coaching Support
We help teams adopt new standards, improve flow, and measure change so improvements stick.
What Makes Dogwood Different
Most consultants document problems and deliver reports.
We roll up our sleeves, implement solutions, and equip your team to sustain them.
Led by a former VP of Operations
Lean-driven but practical, not purist
Local to Portland — able to work on-site
Focused on capability building, not dependency
When we’re done, your team runs a stronger system — not a consultant-dependent one.
Results You Can Expect
Shorter lead times
Fewer production surprises
Better training + faster ramp-up
Reduced waste, rework, and backtracking
Clear ownership + accountability
More predictable daily and weekly flow