A turnkey solution is a solution that can easily be implemented based on the resources already at the disposal of a company or individual. In most cases, it is one of the more desirable ways to effect a solution, but may not be an option regularly. The imagery devised by the phrase turnkey solution conjures up that of turning a key to start a motor running.
Turnkey business solutions are often related to areas that can be revamped with relatively little effort, such as those involving software processes, for example. It is much harder to devise a turnkey solution for a manufacturing process, as another example, simply because that would likely involve retrofitting an existing facility, which may take several months and cost substantially more money. A turnkey solution, by definition, must be able to be implemented quickly.
One of the most common forms of turnkey solutions is in the area of shipping. If a shipper is having trouble meeting the requirements of the company, then another shipper may be substituted. An international turnkey solution, or global turnkey solution, is often used in connection with shipment issues. Finding a shipper to send things on a required schedule internationally may be considered just such a solution.
The ability to find turnkey solutions rests in the management's ability to see things from a non-traditional perspective. Often, looking at a problem through a lens of tradition and past precedence will not lead to a truly innovative turnkey solution. Rather, such practice will likely keep the status quo in effect for a very long time.
It should be noted that some problems are so substantial that they cannot effectively be handled with a turnkey solution, even if the desire to do so is there. In fact, many may try to implement such a solution when a more extensive overhaul of the system is needed. In those cases, the job of management is to recognize what types of problems different solutions can be used to correct. Thus, it is wise to be pragmatic in such cases.
If a turnkey solution is chosen, every effort should be made to bring all employees and vendors, when relevant on board for an explanation of what is changing and how that change will affect operations. Good communication is a vital component of making any new business practice work over the long term. If employees do not understand the reason for change, they will likely be hesitant to make it work.