Operational excellence is the backbone of a successful business, ensuring that processes are streamlined, resources are used effectively, and teams work toward a shared vision. One of the great examples of operational excellence is demonstrated by Pee Safe, a company that revolutionized women’s hygiene products, particularly focused on the safety of using public washrooms. Let’s dive into how businesses like Pee Safe maintain operational excellence and how you can apply these principles to your business, including KEVOS.

The Story of Pee Safe

Pee Safe, founded by Shri Vikas Bagaria, was born out of a personal experience when his wife suffered from a urinary tract infection (UTI) due to using an unhygienic public washroom. This incident spurred him to create a solution for women, leading to a range of products aimed at preventing such infections and ensuring public washroom safety.

The success of Pee Safe is not just attributed to a great product idea but also to its well-executed operations. Bagaria’s approach to running the business offers valuable insights into achieving operational excellence, which can be applied to any business, including engineering and design services like KEVOS.

1. Trust Your Team

According to Vikas Bagaria, one of the pillars of operational success is building a team you can trust. At Pee Safe, his approach is to give each department ownership over their work, rather than micromanaging every detail.

Application for KEVOS:

At KEVOS, we empower our team by trusting them to take ownership of specific tasks such as concept development, CAD modeling, and technical drawings. Assign roles that give employees the authority to make decisions in their areas, which frees you to focus on larger, strategic goals. This helps prevent bottlenecks and keeps projects moving smoothly.

For example, if one of your designers is working on a complex CAD model for a client, give them the autonomy to manage the project timeline and client communication. Trust them to update you once milestones are achieved rather than requiring constant follow-ups.

2. Delegate Authority and Responsibility

Bagaria emphasizes not keeping everything centralized. When you delegate tasks, also delegate the responsibility and authority to make decisions.

Application for KEVOS:

KEVOS plan in handling multiple engineering design projects, divide responsibilities across the team—such as a specific team member managing the manufacturing support for a particular client or another overseeing product development. By delegating authority, we create an environment where people feel accountable for our work and less reliant on our for day-to-day decisions.

Implement a "maker-checker" system for tasks like reviewing technical drawings or finalizing designs, which ensures accuracy without our constant oversight. This allows us to focus on bigger-picture strategies like expanding KEVOS into new markets.

3. Establish Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Pee Safe’s success also stems from adhering to a clear Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). For example, Bagaria has a fixed schedule for approving bills and payments, done on Mondays and Fridays. This allows operations to run smoothly without his daily involvement.

Application for KEVOS:

At KEVOS, setting SOPs for recurring tasks—such as finalizing CAD designs or scheduling project updates with client reduce operational clutter. Through, establishing a routine where project status meetings are held every Friday morning, and all design approvals are completed by Wednesday. These predictable processes improve efficiency and reduce delays.

Automating parts of the workflow, such as client invoicing or project management tools, will save time and ensure consistency in delivering our engineering and design services.

4. Balance Cost and Quality in Procurement

One of Bagaria’s key strategies is to get multiple quotations before making any significant purchases for the business. He weighs both the technical and commercial sides before making decisions.

Application for KEVOS:

In engineering, the quality of materials, software, and tools we use is critical. Before investing in expensive design software or machinery, like 3D printers, get quotations from various suppliers. Compare not only the cost but also the technical advantages of each option.

For example, if we're looking to purchase new CAD software, evaluate whether it offers the best balance between functionality and price. This way, we ensure KEVOS is cost-effective without compromising the quality of our work.

5. Keep Strong Compliance Systems

Operational excellence also extends to ensuring your business is compliant with legal and tax regulations. Bagaria recommends that business owners be aware of all compliance issues, such as filing dates and tax regulations, even if the accounting team handles it.

Application for KEVOS:

While our accounts team or external accountant can handle the nitty-gritty of taxes and compliance, it’s crucial that I, as the owner of KEVOS, stay informed about key filing dates and any government updates. This ensures that our business remains compliant with all Australian tax regulations and avoids any penalties that could disrupt operations.

6. Maintain Strong Relationships and Communication

One of the few things Bagaria believes should not be delegated is maintaining relationships—whether with employees, investors, or clients. Strong communication keeps everyone aligned with the company's vision and goals.

Application for KEVOS:

As KEVOS grows, focus on maintaining open lines of communication with both our team and clients. Regularly check in with our employees, especially on long-term projects, and make ourself available for discussions on challenges or new ideas. Similarly, stay connected with clients, ensuring that they feel valued and that their feedback is integrated into our designs.

Final Thoughts on Operational Excellence at KEVOS

Operational excellence is more than just a set of processes—it’s about empowering your team, creating efficient systems, and focusing on long-term goals. At KEVOS, by following these principles of delegation, trust, and strong communication, we create an operational structure that not only improves efficiency but also drives growth.

Whether we’re expanding our engineering design services or entering new markets, applying these lessons from Pee Safe can help us scale our business while maintaining high operational standards. Remember, as our team becomes more efficient and self-sufficient, we focus on KEVOS’s broader vision of transforming engineering ideas into detailed, impactful designs.

By embedding these principles into the fabric of KEVOS, we position our business for sustainable growth and operational excellence.