MASc Industrial Engineering, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
Senior Operations Consultant lawrence@lawrenceyip.ca

Identify Your Biggest Operational Constraint

Lock in measurable ROI through engineering rigor and objective data analysis
Most improvement initiatives fail because organizations solve the wrong problem first. I systematically identify and eliminate your highest-value constraint, ensuring every dollar invested delivers quantifiable returns.
Schedule a Call How I Work

Professional Credentials

  • 15+ years industrial operations
  • MASc Industrial Engineering
  • Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
  • Rail, Logistics, Petrochemicals
  • Manufacturing & process industries

How We Can Work Together

Multiple engagement models tailored to your operational needs, timeline, and objectives. From comprehensive transformation to targeted tactical support.

Full Constraint Analysis

Systematic three-phase engagement to identify your highest-value constraint, design the optimal solution, and guide implementation with capability transfer.

Best for: Enterprise transformation with sustained results

Operational Due Diligence

Independent assessment of operational capabilities, constraints, and improvement potential. Quantify risks and value creation opportunities for investment decisions.

Best for: M&A, private equity, strategic investment decisions

Systems Design & Development

Design operational frameworks, business systems, and improvement methodologies. Build structured approaches for performance management and operational governance.

Best for: Building operational infrastructure and capability

Technical Analysis & Studies

Engineering-level analysis for specific operational questions. Capacity studies, debottlenecking, layout optimization, feasibility assessments, and capital project evaluation.

Best for: Capital planning and technical decision support

Project-Based Support

Focused support on defined operational initiatives with clear scope and deliverables. Process improvement, workflow optimization, or problem-solving for specific constraints.

Best for: Defined problems with clear objectives

Interim Leadership & Coaching

Fill critical gaps or guide teams through implementation. Direct operational oversight, change management support, or coaching during transitions and critical projects.

Best for: Leadership transitions or implementation support
All engagements include clear scope definition, measurable objectives, and knowledge transfer to your team.

Flagship Methodology: Three-Phase Constraint Analysis

For organizations seeking maximum ROI, this proven methodology systematically identifies your highest-value constraint, designs the optimal solution, and transfers capability to your team.

PHASE ONE

Constraint Identification

4-6 weeks

Comprehensive data analysis to identify the single operational constraint with the highest financial impact. No recommendations until the data clearly identifies the problem.

  • Quantified constraint analysis
  • Financial impact assessment
  • Root cause validation
  • Executive presentation
PHASE TWO

Solution Design

6-8 weeks

Engineer the optimal solution with your team's input. Design includes implementation plan, resource requirements, and ROI projections.

  • Detailed solution design
  • Implementation roadmap
  • ROI financial model
  • Risk mitigation plan
PHASE THREE

Implementation Support

8-12 weeks

Guide implementation while transferring capability to your team. Success measured by sustained improvement after engagement ends.

  • Implementation oversight
  • Team training & coaching
  • Performance tracking system
  • Sustainability framework
Engagements structured for clear decision gates between phases. Proceed to next phase only when ROI justifies investment.

Measured Results Across Industries

Representative results from engagements across rail, logistics, petrochemical, and manufacturing operations.

Railcar Service Center Process Improvement

Global railcar lessor, Western Canada

35%
Rework Reduction

Constraint Identified

Lack of standardized processes causing quality issues and rework across 700 railcars per year

Approach

Developed integrated business system combining standardized work, visual management, and training frameworks

Measured Result

Established CI program reduced rework by 35% through systematic process improvement and capability building. Supported $9M strategic capital expansion analysis.

Pharmaceutical Warehouse Transformation

Contract logistics 3PL, Western Canada

$1.7M
Potential Savings

Constraint Identified

Inefficient layout and processes limiting warehouse capacity and throughput for pharmaceutical distribution

Approach

Comprehensive process analysis with layout optimization and workflow redesign for medical sector operations

Measured Result

Identified $1.7M in potential savings while adding 41% warehouse capacity. Enabled facility expansion without capital investment.

Petrochemical Production Debottlenecking

Petrochemical manufacturer, Western Canada

$70M
Constraint Value

Constraint Identified

Critical production constraint limiting site throughput and gross profit potential across polyethylene operations

Approach

Led comprehensive debottlenecking analysis using engineering principles and data-driven constraint theory

Measured Result

Identified production constraint valued at $70M in gross profit potential. Analysis enabled strategic capital investment decisions.

Enterprise Lean Six Sigma Implementation

Contract logistics 3PL, multi-site Canadian operations

$650K
Documented Savings

Constraint Identified

Lack of systematic improvement methodology across sites preventing sustained operational gains

Approach

Designed and implemented enterprise LSS program with Yellow Belt and Green Belt development across multi-site operations

Measured Result

Delivered $650K in documented savings across 9 Canadian sites. Mentored improvement teams and developed 18-month roadmaps with site managers.

Manufacturing Quality Crisis Resolution

Petrochemical manufacturer, Western Canada

5%
Sales Volume Retained

Constraint Identified

Critical product quality defect with failed detection equipment threatening major customer relationship. Internal politics and CYA mentality preventing rational problem-solving

Approach

Structured investigation cutting through organizational paralysis. Analyzed customer requirements vs internal specs, evaluated inspection costs vs risk, redefined process controls based on customer-driven criteria

Measured Result

Resolved quality issue and retained customer responsible for 5% of sales volume. Avoided costly 100% inspection approach driven by internal fear rather than customer needs.

Systematic methodology proven across rail operations, logistics, petrochemicals, and manufacturing.

Why Independent Consulting Delivers Better Results

Fifteen years in corporate operations taught me that the best improvement methodologies often fail due to organizational politics, budget constraints, and competing priorities. Working independently eliminates these barriers.

My approach differs from traditional consulting: I refuse to recommend solutions until the data clearly identifies the highest-value problem. This discipline ensures we solve the right problem first, not the easiest or most politically acceptable one.

Every engagement includes capability transfer to your team. My success is measured by your team's ability to sustain improvements long after my engagement ends.

While structured methodology delivers the highest value, I also provide flexible support for organizations with specific operational needs, interim leadership requirements, or targeted project work. Every engagement is tailored to your timeline, budget, and objectives.

Key Differentiators

Objective Analysis

No internal politics constraining problem identification and solution design

Executive Access

Direct reporting to decision-makers, bypassing organizational layers

ROI Focus

Every recommendation tied to quantifiable financial impact

Proven Methodology

Systematic approach refined through decades of industrial experience

Knowledge Transfer

Your team owns the solution and sustains results independently

Ready to Identify Your Highest-Value Constraint?

Initial consultation available to discuss your operational challenges and determine if a structured engagement makes sense for your organization.

Engagement Process

1

Initial Discussion

Understand your operational challenges and determine if there's a good fit with my capabilities and approach

2

Scope & Agreement

Define engagement model, deliverables, timeline, and investment. Clear terms before work begins

3

Execution & Delivery

Provide independent analysis, objective recommendations, and practical implementation support

Direct Contact

📧 lawrence@lawrenceyip.ca

📅 Schedule a Call

🏢 Based in Calgary, serving Western Canada

Schedule a Call