Due: September 1, 2026
A global food and beverage company regularly conducts extensive internal work to ensure that it is focused on the most important topics and utilizing optimal methodologies to determine those priorities. TechConnect’s client seeks to engage with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) who can provide strategic benchmarking expertise to ensure that the organization maintains proper focus and uses best-in-class methodologies.
Background
TechConnect’s client is a Fortune 500 food company, operating globally across numerous brands and products. They routinely audit their operations to ensure optimal performance and utilization of all aspects including ingredients, equipment, processes and personnel.
The goal of this project is the identification of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) that understand cost savings, simplification efforts, and margin improvements through a comprehensive benchmarking of the company’s process and methodology.
Ultimately, the client has two desired outcomes for the benchmarking exercise:
- Confirmation that processes and methods currently in use are best-in-class OR
- Identification of existing gaps with potential solutions for remediation
Areas of interest for benchmarking include, but are not limited to:
- Project ideation
- Generation
- Prioritization
- Execution
- Cost optimization/margin improvements in:
- Ingredients
- Formulations
- Raw material handling
- Packaging
- Sustainability enhancements
The strategic aim of this Sprint is to explore novel and innovative methods of evaluating and enhancing productivity, not simply the implementation of specific technologies to impact productivity. Consequently, respondents with significant experience providing productivity insights are highly sought. Additionally, SMEs able to provide cross-industry knowledge are also highly desirable, particularly those from adjacent industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or other Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG).
Academic researchers and experts from independent firms are encouraged to respond as well as those representing larger process engineering firms.
The client intends to begin direct conversations with selected SMEs later this year with engagement continuing through 2027. Initial collaboration will be consultative but may evolve into other forms depending on the client’s needs and the SME’s capabilities. Consultation details such as duration, format, scope, and location will be determined jointly by the client and selected respondents. his space.
APPLICATION AREAS
Potential applications include:
Efficiency Expertise: Understanding how to measure operational performance and efficiency across various metrics with an ability to identify gaps (if any) and suggest possible remediation methods
Idea Management: The ability to optimize how new ideas are generated, explored, prioritized, and executed
Cost Optimization: Expertise in cost management for food production or other relevant industries
Sustainability: Knowledge of productivity enhancements that also improve overall sustainability
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY FOR SOLVERS
TechConnect and/or the client may contact well-matched respondents to discuss potential collaboration opportunities, including pilot studies, contract research, consulting, licensing, analytical services, or strategic partnerships.
Selected respondents may also be invited to participate in future TechConnect innovation programs, showcases, or industry engagement activities.