Saskatchewan Lean Improvements in Manufacturing (SLIM) | Government of Saskatchewan

Business Analysis:

• A business analysis is a review of the facility’s current production methods and identifies where efficiencies can be gained or new technologies adopted to increase productivity, expand production or reduce emissions.
• Approval to proceed with a business analysis and all of the required components of the report will be provided to eligible applicants after submission and ministry review of the pre-approval application form to ensure your company is eligible under SLIM.
• The business analysis can be completed internally if the capability exists. All requirements of the report remain the same. Business analysis internally prepared is not eligible for in-kind rebate under the program.
• Business analysis undertaken by an independent third-party consultant with experience and knowledge of efficient manufacturing principles, productivity and systems efficiency is eligible for rebate, subject to any funding caps indicated. The ministry does not provide referrals or recommendations on consultants.
• Third-party business analysis reports will be eligible for rebate even if the applicant does not proceed with the project application or if the project is not approved. However, applicants must receive approval before beginning the business analysis.
• A business analysis completed by third-party contractor can receive 50 per cent of the eligible costs to a maximum of $20,000. Third-party business analysis includes costs incurred for the following, but not limited to:
  • Consultant fees;
  • Consultant site visits to conduct efficient manufacturing assessments;
  • Commercial assessments;
  • Engineering, electrical or emissions reduction specialists who provide expertise and analysis to the identified improvements;
  • Automation or manufacturing processes or technology improvements, engineering and technology design;
  • Greenhouse gas emissions-reduction assessments and process audits relevant to the SLIM project stream(s);
  • Third party costs directly related to developing the assessment of:
    • New technology, including design;
    • Equipment increasing labour productivity;
    • Equipment increasing manufacturing capacity and expansion capability of producing new products in the facility; and
    • Emission reduction equipment or infrastructure.