Organizations drowning in complexity often overlook transformation opportunities right in their workflows. What if, instead of patching problems, you reengineered your processes—starting fresh with data and design?

I’m Jon Bassford—operational strategist, TEDx speaker, and founder of Lateral Solutions. I help leaders like you turn processes into engines of innovation. Here’s how to build better systems using:

• Business Process Reengineering (BPR)

• Operational Benchmarking Services

• Lean Management Consulting

1. Business Process Reengineering: Reset and Redesign

What Is BPR?

BPR isn’t just tweaking old processes—it’s radical redesign. It asks: “If we were starting today, would we design this process the same way?” By stripping away assumptions, you give yourself permission to innovate.

Why It’s Critical

• Reduce turnaround time by eliminating redundancies

• Lower operational costs via simplification

• Boost employee satisfaction with smoother workflows

I take a curiosity-first approach: we map your current state, challenge every step, and rebuild for speed and clarity—with ROI in mind.

Real-World Wins

A tech startup slashed onboarding time by 50% using BPR. A nonprofit doubled program throughput by rethinking documentation and approvals. (See their stories in my media page.)

2. Operational Benchmarking Services: Clarity Through Comparison

You can’t improve what you don’t measure. Benchmarking puts your operations in context—how do you stack up against peers?

Benchmarking Essentials

1. Identify KPIs—cycle time, cost per unit, customer satisfaction

2. Gather external data from similar organizations

3. Spot gaps and prioritize based on strategic impact

4. Reignite change initiatives with data-driven goals

I guide clients through each step—helping leaders visualize the “opportunity gulf” rather than chasing vague perfection.

3. Lean Management Consulting: Small Ideas, Big Gains

Lean isn’t just for manufacturers—it’s a timeless approach to eliminating waste, clarifying value, and empowering teams.

Core Lean Tools We Use

• Value stream mapping to see process flow

• 5S and visual workflows for clarity and discipline

• Kaizen events to activate frontline ownership

• Pull-based systems to reduce inventory and delays

With Lean, operations transform into self-improving, adaptive systems. Teams become more engaged, processes more predictable, and dashboards more impressive.

Why These Three Fit Together

Layered together, they form a transformation engine that lasts.

Got a Process to Transform?

✅ Curious where to start? My Work With Me page outlines engagement paths.
✅ Want to explore my thinking? Head to the Blog for deeper reads.
✅ Ready to take the first step? Book a discovery call via the home page.

Over the next 5 posts, I’ll explore:

2. Operational Benchmarking, Lean Management, and Six Sigma

3. Lean Management, Six Sigma, and Quality Management

4. Six Sigma, Quality Management, and Supply Chain

5. Quality Management, Supply Chain, and Project Management

6. Supply Chain, Project Management, Talent Development Systems

Each will equip you with tools to scale curiosity into dependable systems.