Running a business is a constant balancing act where both day-to-day operations and long-term strategies are key to success. Business owners may find themselves asking questions like “What is my business worth?”; “Am I on the right path?”; or “Do I have a solid succession plan?”
One of the most effective ways to better understand your business, streamline your operations and set yourself up for success is through an on-site operations review. Here is why having an on-site operations review is not just a promising idea — it is an investment in your peace of mind, efficiency and future growth.
Common Concerns About On-Site Reviews
For some business owners, the idea of an on-site review can raise concerns. You might worry about the costs or think it could oblige you to sell or follow specific recommendations. However, reputable companies offering reviews are there solely to provide guidance, not to push for change. On-site reviews are typically performed without obligation and the scope is agreed upon in an engagement agreement that clearly outlines review objectives ahead of time. Remember, it is your business and nothing changes without you being comfortable with any recommended changes.
What Is Included in an On-Site Operations Review?
An on-site operations review is a deep dive into the elements of your company. Here is what a comprehensive review entails:
Financial Overview
A thorough review examines your profit and loss statements, balance sheets, tax returns and financial procedures. It can identify any revenue or expenses unrelated to or dragging down your core business, ensuring a more accurate financial picture. It also evaluates your supply and sales agreements, which may include fixed-price or pre-buy arrangements that could have an impact on long-term financial health.
Personnel Assessment
This segment involves analyzing staffing levels, payroll, commissions, bonuses, benefits and tenure, as well as identifying key staff, potential leaders and pending retirements. Understanding the age, experience and skills of your workforce can reveal gaps and opportunities for growth, as well as address essential succession planning needs.
Asset Evaluation
From vehicles to storage tanks and real estate, a thorough asset assessment looks at the state and utilization of your physical resources. The review identifies potential surplus as well as obsolete and encumbered assets which could affect your company’s overall valuation and future growth.
Operational Efficiency
An operations review evaluates service scheduling, delivery routing, marketing, sales, customer service and accounting strategies. The goal is to streamline processes, reduce redundancies and ensure that your business is running as efficiently as possible.
Training, Safety & Compliance
This section of the review can ensure that your training programs are up to date and assets and personnel are compliant with applicable state and federal regulations. Installation and out-of-gas procedures, documentation, after-hours protocols, training records and other safety considerations are examined to eliminate potential risks.
Sales & Marketing Potential
A robust review will look at your growth potential, up-sell opportunities and strategies for increasing propane margins and non-gas revenues.
Competitive Landscape
Knowing where your competitors stand and identifying potential threats and opportunities can help you define your strategic advantage and develop better, more competitive strategies.
Benefits of an On-Site Operations Review
An on-site operations review offers tangible benefits beyond the basic compliance or safety checklists. Here is what you stand to gain:
A Safer, More Efficient & Compliant Company
Compliance gaps and inefficiencies can create costly issues, both legally and operationally. A review brings these to light, making your business safer, more compliant and more cost-effective.
Reduced Operating Costs
With streamlined operations and optimized resource usage, your business could see reduced operating costs. Even minor changes can create substantial savings over time that more than cover the cost of the review.
Improved Positioning for Sale
Should you decide to sell, a review provides insights into the changes a buyer may want. With the proper adjustments, you can maximize your business’ value and make your business more attractive to potential buyers. A skilled reviewer who is also a broker can help prepare you for the sale and find the right buyer.
Selling Challenges That Can Be Avoided
Property disputes, ownership disagreements and asset title issues are just a few common hurdles when selling a business. An on-site operations review prepares you to avoid these challenges by addressing potential roadblocks proactively. Brokers know what buyers want and can streamline the process by gathering the necessary documents for due diligence and preparing the company for an efficient closing.
Positioning for Enhanced Value
As you go through the review process, you will receive insights that can lead to value-building opportunities. Areas such as improving margins, leveraging service labor, managing tank rental fees, payroll optimization and advancing automation and training programs are all options. Implementing the recommended changes can position your company as a more valuable and stable investment for a buyer.
Ensuring You Are Ready to Sell
Even if you are not imminently prepared to sell, a review helps you think about the future in terms of weeks, months and years. Consider questions like: “Why do I want to sell?”; “Is my business prepared for a transition?”; and “What happens to my employees and customers?” Addressing these questions now means fewer surprises and a smoother transition when the time comes.
Flexibility of Valuation Models
Finally, the review process includes valuation models that give you a clearer idea of your company’s worth. Not every review leads to a sale, as sometimes the outcome reveals that you are better off retaining ownership. If you do choose to sell, the review can cover important points you may not have considered, such as who the right buyer might be and how to work with your certified public accountant and attorney to craft a sales agreement and address legal, tax and estate considerations.
Closing Thoughts
An on-site operations review is not just a procedural assessment — it is a strategic tool that offers critical insights into your business. This review allows you to understand your business on a deeper level, resolve potential issues, enhance value and prepare for the future — whether your goal is to sell or to simply build a stronger, more efficient business. When performed correctly, an on-site review is a small investment with immense returns.
