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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Vic Dorsen, a Manufacturing Business Coach and Advisor at The Collaborative Group in Sydney, has published an operational optimisation playbook designed specifically for owners of mid-sized Australian manufacturing and trading businesses looking to boost throughput, eliminate bottlenecks, improve cash flow, and build long-term enterprise value.

The playbook, titled Operational Optimisation Playbook for Australian Manufacturers & Traders, was published on LinkedIn and draws on Dorsen’s 45 years of international manufacturing and business leadership experience to provide a practical, implementation-focused roadmap for business owners navigating operational challenges in today’s competitive landscape.

“Operational optimisation isn’t about working harder — it’s about working smarter. If your manufacturing or trading business feels stuck in the same profit margins, it’s time to rethink your approach. This playbook gives mid-sized business owners the practical tools and frameworks to shift gears and build real business value.” — Vic Dorsen

AI in Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management

A central theme of the playbook is the growing role of artificial intelligence in manufacturing and supply chain operations. Dorsen argues that AI is no longer the exclusive domain of large-scale manufacturers, highlighting how mid-sized operations can leverage predictive maintenance, real-time inventory management, and delivery delay forecasting to gain a competitive edge.

The playbook cites case studies showing a 10 per cent reduction in production idle time through AI analytics and demonstrates how AI-powered supply chain tools can help manufacturers avoid both overproduction and stock shortages — two of the most common cash flow drains in mid-market operations.

“AI can predict machine failures before they occur. That means less downtime and more production uptime. Mid-sized manufacturers can harness this power too — it’s not just for tech giants.” — Vic Dorsen

Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma for Australian Operations

Dorsen dedicates a significant portion of the playbook to Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies, arguing that these proven frameworks are experiencing a renaissance in Australian factories when combined with modern digital tools. He outlines how the DMAIC process — Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control — delivers measurable results, with documented efficiency gains of up to 30 per cent.

The playbook emphasises employee engagement as a critical success factor, recommending regular team feedback sessions and visual management tools to identify waste and track progress on the factory floor.

Supply Chain Optimisation and S&OP for Trading Companies

For trading operations, the playbook addresses supply chain and inventory optimisation, Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP), and cash flow improvement strategies. Dorsen highlights how just-in-time inventory practices have helped Sydney-based traders cut inventory costs by 15 per cent and how improved S&OP integration has delivered cash flow improvements of up to 20 per cent.

“Sales and Operations Planning bridges the gap between sales forecasts and production needs. A solid plan keeps cash flow positive and stops you from overproducing or stockpiling unsold goods.” — Vic Dorsen

Building Businesses Worth Buying — The Exit Planning Connection

The playbook connects daily operational decisions directly to long-term business valuation and exit readiness. Dorsen argues that EBITDA growth, driven by operational improvements, is the most reliable path to commanding premium valuation multiples — highlighting a Sydney business that increased its EBITDA by 25 per cent by focusing on core products and cutting underperforming lines.

“Every documented process, every efficiency gain, every margin improvement you make today is building the asset that a buyer will pay a premium for tomorrow. Buyers want systems, not heroics. They want predictable performance, not one-off results.” — Vic Dorsen

The playbook outlines how standard operating procedures, predictive maintenance systems, KPI dashboards, and targeted automation — including examples showing 30 per cent labour cost savings — collectively build the operational infrastructure that makes a business attractive to acquirers.

Digital Transformation and Change Management

Dorsen addresses digital transformation as a practical, incremental process rather than a wholesale technological revolution. Drawing on his experience as former General Manager of Toshiba Australia, he advocates for starting with targeted automation of repetitive tasks before scaling to broader digital initiatives.

The playbook also tackles change management — a frequent barrier to operational improvement in established manufacturing businesses. Dorsen recommends early team engagement, clear communication of benefits, and visual management tools to ensure smooth transitions and organisation-wide buy-in.

About Vic Dorsen

Vic Dorsen is a Manufacturing Business Coach and Advisor at The Collaborative Group in Sydney, Australia, partnering with owners of mid-sized manufacturing and trading businesses (typically $5M–$50M revenue) to accelerate growth, improve profitability, and build valuable enterprises. With over 45 years of international experience — including serving as Vice President Asia Pacific at Esselte (overseeing 11 countries, 7 factories, and $600 million in regional sales), General Manager at Hunter Douglas Australia and Toshiba Australia, and Chairman of Redback Conferencing — Dorsen brings deep operational expertise to every engagement. As an entrepreneur, he founded and successfully exited ADEPT, which became Europe’s largest packaging consultancy, serving blue-chip clients including Shell, Boots, and Schwarzkopf.

He holds a Bachelor of Business (Marketing & Manufacturing) from the University of Technology Sydney and completed executive education in Mergers & Acquisitions at INSEAD. Dorsen is also Director at Growth & Exit Business Solutions.

Media Contact
Contact Person: Vic Dorsen
Email: Send Email
Phone: 0412 203 226
City: Petersham
State: New South Wales
Country: Australia
Website: https://vicdorsen.com.au