Process optimization and introduction of a management system

for optimizing results (Continuous Improvement System) for an international medium-sized company in the automotive battery sector (Automotive Supplier Tier 1) in the role of Director Continuous Improvement

Company: Johnson Controls Autobatterie GmbH & Co KGaA

Industry:
Automotive, car batteries

Turnover figure:
n.a.

Number of employees:
approx. 3,400 (EMEA)

Company headquarters:
Hanover

Internet:
www.clarios.com

Situation at the client:

  • Competition leads to high cost pressure
  • Required cost reductions are not reliably achieved

Area of responsibility:

  • Director Continuous Improvement

Task:

  • Development of a system for continuous and predictable improvement in results
  • Systematic identification, realization, and tracking of projects and initiatives for improving results
  • Development and training of appropriate resources

Measures:

  • Gradual introduction of an integrated system across all areas and levels of the production plants
  • Development and training of a central team and teams in the plants (Six Sigma, Lean)
  • Introduction of target-oriented group work at the shop floor level
    (High Performance Teams)
  • Revision of the idea management system (Innovation System)
  • Structured approach to identifying potential for improvement (Gap Analysis)
  • Regular implementation of standardized workshops (Acceleration Programs)
  • Active management of project portfolios for each location
  • Connection to cost accounting to ensure actual achievement of goals, including cross-site consolidation

Successes:

  • Predictable and consistent improvements in results
  • Increase in productivity (up to 8% p.a.), reduction in waste (up to 15% p.a.)
  • Significant improvements also in the areas of quality, customer satisfaction, and health

Special challenge:

  • Cultural resistance in the plants to the change process was overcome, among other things, through good results and development opportunities for employees

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