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| How to modify the outline for an expansion plan | |||
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Question:
I am using your software to write a plan for an existing manufacturing company. They manufacture precision-machined components for the medical industry. They are considering the start-up of a new department utilizing new equipment that will enhance specific current processes by 25%. They have asked me to draft a plan outlining the costs for start-up and the projected benefits that a 25% better yield will bring. I need help outlining just what I need and not all the other stuff. I have a good start in many text areas but am now getting stuck on finances etc.
Several assumptions are being made:
Hi and thanks for listening,
A walk-through on how to set-up the outline and what to include/not include would be great - thanks.
Answer:
I think the most important point here is what you already have: you don't want to include the whole outline if you are doing an expansion plan for a new product or process improvement for an existing manufacturing business.
You probably don't want to include any of Chapter 2, in which you describe the company, except the specific topic 2.2, start-up costs. I would probably add a new chapter named "Start-up Costs", then use move the existing Start-up table and chart to that New chapter with a single topic in it. Once this is done, delete all of Chapter 2 through the Plan Outline. If you need additional instructions on modifying the Plan Outline, you can find a help topic on it by clicking Help and searching for the keywords or through the following topic on the Web site:
You may not need Chapter 3, in which you describe what you sell, if everybody in the company already knows what you sell. However, you may need an abbreviated Chapter 3 to describe the process, the new technology involved, why it works. That depends on your audience.
Chapter 4 may be optional, if you don't want to do another market analysis. I personally think you should always have a market analysis, especially with a new or improved product, because you need to analyze target customers and customer needs.
You will definitely want all of Chapter 5, strategy and implementation. Include your sales forecast and business plan milestones.
Chapter 6 may be abbreviated as well, because you aren't describing a complete management team. Still, you will need the personnel plan from Chapter 6.
In Chapter 7, finances, you want to do most of the tables but not all. You'll need general assumptions, break-even, and profit and loss. You may not need cash flow, balance sheet, and business ratios. Many expansion plans skip the full financial and cash implications, because you are looking at just a part of a business, not the whole thing. Ask your audience what they want in that area.
I hope that helps.
Tim Berry
