A first step in improving any business operation is to develop a thorough understanding of how things are done today. In warehousing, this means that the management advisor must understand just what the worker is doing, and why he or she is doing it that way. Nothing can be managed well unless it is measured, and we look for a practical way to measure every critical logistics activity. Management advisors should not be purchasing agents. When we recommend a piece of equipment, we always provide two or more competitive options and encourage our client to shop for the preferred purchase. Because there usually is more than one way to solve a problem, we frequently offer options in making our recommendations. When our client feels a sense of ownership in the recommendation, implementation of change comes more easily.