The first of the three phase processes in the TriFactor Edge is the Needs Analysis. During this phase, a TriFactor Project Manager is assigned to fulfill our proven 8 step process for this phase. These steps are:
Step 1: Analysis Initiation
Step 2: Gather Preliminary Project Data
Step 3: Document Current Process
Step 4: Research Path and Findings
Step 5: Review Preliminary Data
Step 6: Develop Basic Concepts
Step 7: TriFactor Management Review
Step 8: Needs Analysis Report and Presentation
In order to accomplish these steps of the Needs Analysis, a continuously evolving checklist and questionnaire guides the process. This checklist and questionnaire ensures that all stakeholders associated with the project, from president of the company to the operations and maintenance personnel, are seriously considered in design and operation of the new material handling system.
As a part of this process, SKU order history is collected and evaluated in order to best understand system throughput requirements, storage and picking requirements and other material handling equipment considerations.
Once the technical steps of the Needs Analysis are complete, including conceptual system layout and implementation timeline, budgetary pricing is obtained. With this budgetary pricing, a financial analysis of the project is accomplished that involves 6 different Return on Investment (ROI) calculations. The result of these calculations provides the basis for the TriFactor recommendations associated with the project. Although it is the customer’s money and ultimately their decision to move forward, during the TriFactor Management Review step, the TriFactor Management Team provides the final recommendation with the underlying theme being “if it were my money, what would I do?”
Finally, the detailed Needs Analysis Report is presented to the customer and a decision is made to continue to Phase 2, Final Design and Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) Development. | 
