Common Questions About Working with OMEP
Working with OMEP starts with a conversation, not a contract.
OMEP is an Oregon-based consulting and training organization with deep roots in manufacturing, and we work with small and mid-sized businesses across the state to help them grow, compete, and build for the long term.
Whether you’re navigating a specific challenge or thinking about something bigger, the questions below reflect what manufacturers ask us most often. When you’re ready to talk through your situation, a free 30-minute consultation is a good place to start.
FAQs
How long does a typical lean engagement take?
Most engagements run 3-6 months, depending on scope. Some focused projects — like a value stream mapping session or a kaizen event — can deliver results in a matter of weeks.
What size company do you work with?
While we work with businesses of all sizes, most of our clients are small- to mid-sized manufacturers with 10-500 employees.
Do I have to commit to a long contract, or can we start small?
Not at all. Schedule a free 30-minute consult or assessment and we’ll discuss your options. Many clients start with a focused project and expand from there once they see results.
What’s the difference between OMEP and a private lean consulting firm?
OMEP is NIST-backed and has deep roots tied to local Oregon businesses. We know Oregon and the challenges Oregon manufacturers face — from Portland to Bend to the coast. Our results are verified by the federal government, and our mission is to help Oregon manufacturers grow, not to sell you a program.
Do I work with practitioners or salespeople?
You’ll work hands-on with a lean manufacturing consultant who has years of real-world experience and excellent success rates. When you book a consultation, you talk to a real expert.
Will the work be onsite, remote, or hybrid?
Most lean work is hands-on and onsite, because real improvement requires walking the floor, observing processes, and working directly with your team. That said, we serve manufacturers across Oregon — from Portland, Eastern Oregon, Bend and to the coast — and use hybrid approaches when it makes sense, like remote planning sessions paired with onsite implementation visits. We won’t deprioritize you because of geography.
What is lean manufacturing, in plain language?
Lean manufacturing is a systematic approach to eliminating waste — anything that doesn’t add value for your customer — from your production process. That means less waiting, less rework, less overproduction, and better flow. The result is more output with the same people and equipment, lower costs, and faster delivery times.
What results can we realistically expect from a lean transformation?
Results depend on your starting point and scope. Individual clients have documented outcomes such as a 30 to 40 percent cycle time reduction, throughput gains over 40 percent, and more than $500,000 in cost savings on a single engagement. We can’t promise specific numbers, and we do commit to measuring the outcomes we pursue together.
What’s the difference between lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement?
Lean focuses on eliminating waste and improving flow. Six Sigma focuses on reducing defects and variation using data-driven methods. Continuous improvement (Kaizen) is the ongoing cultural practice of making small, incremental gains every day. OMEP integrates all three — we bring the right tools for your situation rather than applying a one-size-fits-all methodology.
How do I know if my company is ready for lean?
If you’re experiencing missed deadlines, bottlenecks, rising costs without rising capacity, or constant firefighting on the shop floor — you’re ready. Lean isn’t just for large, highly organized operations. In fact, companies with the most obvious inefficiencies often see the fastest gains. Book a free 30-minute consultation and we’ll help you assess your readiness.
Still have questions? A free 30-minute consultation is the fastest way to get answers specific to your operation.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today!