ProgramsLean Management Systems & Leadership (OSCM 395)ProjectsStreamlining Burkett's Order Fulfillment Process

Project Title: Streamlining Burkett's Order Fulfillment Process

Burkett Restaurant Equipment and Supplies

Details
Project Title Streamlining Burkett's Order Fulfillment Process
Project Topics Lean Systems and Process Improvement Operational Performance and Metrics Operations Organizational Culture Purchasing, Logistics, Supply Chain
Skills & Expertise Data Collection Statistics
Project Synopsis: Challenge/Opportunity
Burkett Restaurant Equipment & Supplies has established itself as a reputable national distributor within the foodservice and restaurant equipment sector, maintaining strong customer-facing service levels. However, the company faces significant challenges related to internal process inconsistencies—specifically within the order intake process. Despite the variety of ways orders are received, including call-center sales and showroom walk-ins, the lack of standardized documentation and inconsistent use of their ERP system, NetSuite, has led to high variation and numerous errors in order processing. These inconsistencies not only frustrate warehouse and operations staff but also result in costly rework and lost productivity.
Project Synopsis: Activities/Actions Required
  1. Key activities will include initial meetings with Burkett’s VP of Operations and stakeholders to understand the workflow, followed by workshops to map the current order intake process using value stream mapping techniques.
  2. Students will conduct interviews with employees to gather qualitative data on pain points and perform quantitative analysis of error rates and rework instances.
  3. The team will document findings, create a future-state process design, and propose actionable recommendations for process controls and SOP improvements.
  4. The final deliverables will include a comprehensive report and a presentation detailing findings and recommendations, ensuring alignment with Burkett's operational goals.
Project Synopsis: Expected Results
  • The expected outcomes of this project include the development of a streamlined order intake process that enhances operational efficiency and reduces error rates by at least 80%.
  • Students will gain practical experience in process improvement methodologies, teamwork, and stakeholder communication, aligning with SMART goals: Specific (identify 3 key pain points), Measurable (reduce error rates by 80%), Achievable (develop actionable recommendations), Relevant (support Burkett’s operational goals), and Time-bound (complete within 3 months).
  • The business value delivered will include improved employee morale, reduced waste, and increased profitability, creating a solid foundation for Burkett's future growth.

Project Timeline

Touchpoints & Assignments Date Type

Kickoff Eval

 Jan 16 2026 Evaluation

Project Kickoff

 Jan 19 2026 Event

Student Temp Check #1

 Feb 13 2026 Evaluation

Student Temp Check #2

 Apr 05 2026 Evaluation

Program Managers

Name Organization
Lisa Eshbach Ferris State University

Teams

Team Name  Project Name  Team Members 
No Teams Available