At NOAH, we are always looking for innovative ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs while maintaining the quality and excellence we are known for. To support these efforts, we are excited to introduce the LEAN TEAM—a dynamic, interdisciplinary group focused on identifying and implementing cost-saving initiatives throughout the organization.
What is the LEAN TEAM?
The LEAN TEAM is a cross-functional group designed to evaluate our services, vendors, processes, and products to uncover areas where we can save money and operate more efficiently.
The Goal is simple: To “Be the Change” in driving measurable cost savings by eliminating waste and maximizing value in every aspect of our mission, because we are “Stronger Together”.
This team will work collaboratively to propose solutions that make a real impact on our bottom line, supporting NOAH’s overarching financial goals.
How Does the LEAN TEAM Operate?
The core LEAN TEAM will meet monthly to discuss progress, evaluate new opportunities, and develop actionable recommendations. These meetings will focus on:
- Identifying potential projects for cost savings
- Reviewing ongoing research and findings
- Reporting on the progress of initiatives
- Sharing final recommendations with accountable leadership for approval and implementation
In addition to our core Lean Team, sub-committee meetings may be organized to involve Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from various departments or comprised of multidisciplinary teams. These focused meetings will allow us to dive deeper into specific areas, tapping into the SMEs expertise, to help us pinpoint additional opportunities for efficiencies and savings.
Our Goal: $1 Million by Midnight
One of the key objectives of the LEAN TEAM is to actively contribute to the organizational goal of saving $1 million by midnight December 31. This ambitious target will be achieved by addressing both financial leaks (unnecessary costs) and uncovering fiscal opportunities (areas for improvement or reinvestment). Through the LEAN TEAM’s efforts, we aim to help NOAH reach this ambitious, cost-saving goal while ensuring that the quality of our products and services remains top-notch. This savings will help achieve our 2025 Annual Incentive Program Goal of a 4% operating margin (NOAH’S Annual Incentive Program).
Initial Progress and Ideas
We’re excited to share some of the initial progress and ideas that the LEAN TEAM has already begun to explore that include evaluating resource allocation, process streamlining, vendor cost analysis, and waste reduction initiatives:
- Loomis Cash Vault Services
Reducing the frequency of pick-ups will save the organization approximately $21,942 annually. - PDShred Confidential Document Destruction
Reducing the frequency of pick-ups / number of shred containers will save the organization approximately $15,948 annually. - Fingerprinting (Level 1 FPCC)
Eliminating the 3rd party fingerprinting company and fingerprinting internally will save the organization approximately $5,000 annually. - Trilogy Regulated Medical Waste
Reducing the frequency of pick-ups will save the organization approximately $4,800 annually.
These combined implementations will result in an annual savings of over $47,690 for the company, with minimal impact on organizational operations.
This is just the beginning! The LEAN TEAM will continue to expand its scope and explore new areas of opportunity as we move forward.
How Can You Get Involved?
We believe that the best ideas come from all corners of the organization. Staff knows best the work we do; we own our expenses and we are empowered to make suggestions. If you have suggestions or observations that could help us identify potential cost-saving opportunities, we encourage you to share them by submitting a LEAN TEAM IDEA on The BEAT. The link is on the right-hand side under the Employee Resources Section.
As we move forward, we will continue to keep you updated on the LEAN TEAM’s progress, the projects we are working on, and the results of our efforts. Together, we can strengthen NOAH’s financial health while fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
For more information about the LEAN TEAM at NOAH, please reach out to Joe Slama at jslama@noahhelps.org or Debi Stober at dstober@noahhelps.org.
