Case Studies

Thelios Eyewear: WIP reduction by 35% by synchronizing the Value Chain

Thelios Eyewear: WIP reduction by 35% by synchronizing the Value Chain The challenge Managing complexity and growth  Manifattura Thélios was established on the 24th April in Longarone, Italy, a town renowned for its expertise in eyewear. This new site is dedicated to the production of glasses for the Maisons belonging to the LVMH group. Launched in 2017, Thélios is a joint venture combining LVMH and Marcolin’s expertise. These two groups came together over their shared vision for the future of eyewear. Marcolin Group has been creating, manufacturing and distributing sunglasses and optical glasses for major brands (such as Tom Ford, Bally, Moncler, Sportmax, Ermenegildo Zegna...) for almost 60 years. In 2018, they sold over 14 million pairs of spectacles through 150 distribution partners in 125 countries. As you can imagine, their international supply chain and production processes are quite complex. On top of that, their customers demand the highest quality, not only of the design but of the entire value chain. Thanks to the alliance of cutting-edge technologies with unique expertise, Manifattura Thélios has created a complete and flexible production tool that ensures integral product monitoring, from the initial creative  The solution Synchronisation of the value chain  EFESO took 2 months and 3 experts to examine the situation. Thanks to EFESO’s previous experience with Marcolin, Luxottica and their good rep- utation in France, they knew what type of optimisation could be achieved. The focus was on the development of processes, manufacturing areas and key suppliers: Together with the whole technical team, EFESO implemented A Lean development system to shorten development lead time, anticipate problems with the concurrent engineering of collections and knowledge capitalisation A lean design approach to rationalise the product range, by reducing unnecessary complexity and therefore reducing the risk of obsoletes A capacity model to balance workload for prototyping, development and industrialization Together with the future Operations team, EFESO implemented the Industrial strategy by developing a lean factory which has a brilliant delivery time and minimum working capital; the concept of dynamic assembly lines was initially realized in cardboard and is now a reality Human dynamics were at the centre of all EFESO interventions; in fact, the adoption of lean concepts, where flow is predominant on local productivity required a lot of effort to break the traditional production paradigms.   RESULTS Reduced response time leading to better shelf availability and faster replenishment WIP in production: -35 up to -50% Increase of value creation in development through faster prototyping and Knowledge reuse. Further loss reduction in technical department (process BPR and digitalization) Leveling of workload by setting the cadence of launches Industrialization Lead time reduction Synergy with design, early management of critical issues and sharing people for prototyping Production Lead time -35% Obsoletes in Supply Chain -30%   THE VOICE OF OUR CUSTOMER Launched in 2017, Thélios is a joint venture combining LVMH and Marcolin’s expertise, as two groups brought together over their same vision for the future of eyewear. The com- pany employs 245 people from all over the world, with 100 of them at its Manifattura.  Massimo Stefanello, former COO of Thelios says: The difference in working with EFESO is that together, in a very down to earth and joined up way, we managed to obtain serious improvements of our value chain, but it’s their focus on the human side of things which is a real asset in this type of projects.  Gianni Zoppas, CEO, Thélios confirms “With the Manifattura Thélios, we aim to anticipate the future while showcasing our long-standing expertise. This project combines our taste for top quality products with our respect for a cultural heritage essential to the region.” 

 

Lamb Weston / Meijer: Creating a sustainable continuous improvement culture leading to significant results

Thelios Eyewear: WIP reduction by 35% by synchronizing the Value Chain The challenge Managing complexity and growth  Manifattura Thélios was established on the 24th April in Longarone, Italy, a town renowned for its expertise in eyewear. This new site is dedicated to the production of glasses for the Maisons belonging to the LVMH group. Launched in 2017, Thélios is a joint venture combining LVMH and Marcolin’s expertise. These two groups came together over their shared vision for the future of eyewear. Marcolin Group has been creating, manufacturing and distributing sunglasses and optical glasses for major brands (such as Tom Ford, Bally, Moncler, Sportmax, Ermenegildo Zegna...) for almost 60 years. In 2018, they sold over 14 million pairs of spectacles through 150 distribution partners in 125 countries. As you can imagine, their international supply chain and production processes are quite complex. On top of that, their customers demand the highest quality, not only of the design but of the entire value chain. Thanks to the alliance of cutting-edge technologies with unique expertise, Manifattura Thélios has created a complete and flexible production tool that ensures integral product monitoring, from the initial creative  The solution Synchronisation of the value chain  EFESO took 2 months and 3 experts to examine the situation. Thanks to EFESO’s previous experience with Marcolin, Luxottica and their good rep- utation in France, they knew what type of optimisation could be achieved. The focus was on the development of processes, manufacturing areas and key suppliers: Together with the whole technical team, EFESO implemented A Lean development system to shorten development lead time, anticipate problems with the concurrent engineering of collections and knowledge capitalisation A lean design approach to rationalise the product range, by reducing unnecessary complexity and therefore reducing the risk of obsoletes A capacity model to balance workload for prototyping, development and industrialization Together with the future Operations team, EFESO implemented the Industrial strategy by developing a lean factory which has a brilliant delivery time and minimum working capital; the concept of dynamic assembly lines was initially realized in cardboard and is now a reality Human dynamics were at the centre of all EFESO interventions; in fact, the adoption of lean concepts, where flow is predominant on local productivity required a lot of effort to break the traditional production paradigms.   RESULTS THE VOICE OF OUR CUSTOMER Launched in 2017, Thélios is a joint venture combining LVMH and Marcolin’s expertise, as two groups brought together over their same vision for the future of eyewear. The com- pany employs 245 people from all over the world, with 100 of them at its Manifattura.  Massimo Stefanello, former COO of Thelios says: The difference in working with EFESO is that together, in a very down to earth and joined up way, we managed to obtain serious improvements of our value chain, but it’s their focus on the human side of things which is a real asset in this type of projects.  Gianni Zoppas, CEO, Thélios confirms “With the Manifattura Thélios, we aim to anticipate the future while showcasing our long-standing expertise. This project combines our taste for top quality products with our respect for a cultural heritage essential to the region.” 

 

Lean Labs Project Improved Productivity by 33% across Pharmaceutical Product Portfolio

The client is a contract pharmaceutical manufacturer of Capsules for both Pharmaceutical as well as Health & Nutrition

 

Read more: Lean Labs Project Improved Productivity by 33% across Pharmaceutical Product Portfolio

Real Lean Transformation in a Biopharmaceutical R&D facility gains a 29% Increase in Capacity

 

Read more: Real Lean Transformation in a Biopharmaceutical R&D facility gains a 29% Increase in Capacity

End-to-end retail value chain

Improving competitive performance by applying a LEAN approach in an end-to-end retail value chain

 

Read more: End-to-end retail value chain

Lean implementation in a chemical company enabling its growth by becoming a quality market leader

Global lubrication additives & synthetic base fluids manufacturer (Business unit of a major chemical group).

 

Read more: Lean implementation in a chemical company enabling its growth by becoming a quality market leader

How to make more quality products without increasing the market prices

A 40 BN group and 1200 plants all over the world takes control by installing a global Operational Excellence program to make even more quality products without increasing market prices.

 

Read more: How to make more quality products without increasing the market prices

Leading global technology and automation Group

Contract Management Excellence to improve end-to-end Project execution

 

Read more: Leading global technology and automation Group

WCOM™ implementation in an electrical company with Operational Cost reduction of EUR 8-10 m

 

Read more: WCOM™ implementation in an electrical company with Operational Cost reduction of EUR 8-10 m

HD focused S&OP in consumer packaged goods company gains +8% margins, +45% forecast accuracy, - 4% working capital

 

Read more: HD focused S&OP in consumer packaged goods company gains +8% margins, +45% forecast accuracy, - 4%...

Digital transformation in Cosmetics logistics centers achieve zero paper management and improves middle-managements’ and operators’ autonomy

Client and approach

The client is a multinational group and global leader in the cosmetics industry. Their factories already use EFESO digital Performance Control System, and have decided it is time to deploy the tool into the distribution centres. The pilot covered two warehouses from different business units.

The aim of the client is to digitalize the DC’s existing PCS because the current process with paper boards was inefficient. Information hardly circulated and the operators were not involved in the meetings. The project consists of helping the client launch a successful POC (proof of concept).

EFESO helped by:

• Remote board digitalization with client PMOs
• Remote key user training
• Quick scan of the existing PCS – gap analysis
• User training on digital PCS and smart problem solving
• On-the-job coaching
• Recommendations and planning for further support

Results

• Zero paper management
• 6 Team Leaders coached to lead digital meetings
• 8 Key users trained
• 2 warehouses involved
• On-the-job introduction for more than 40 operators
• Key users trained and Pilot meeting now mandatory

 

DYNAMIC DSI (S&OP Digital Solution) implemented in a Pharma company, enables the Executive S&OP team to perform real-time simulations

Client and approach

The Client is a Pharma start up launching a genetic treatment for prostate cancer and wanted to introduce a digital Dynamic DSI (Demand – Supply – Inventory) solution to ease the preparation and execution of the Executive S&OP:

• By having DSI available in real time based on latest submission of the Demand and the Supply plans
• without any manual work behind data entry
• with simulation functionality for both demand and supply variations
• By having a single repository of data and DSI for immediate as well as future use

EFESO supported the client in identifying a digital solution that best matched the Client’s needs, expectations and utilization and supported the implementation of the solution taking into account and managing Processes and Human Dynamics.

Results

• The client has acquired the capability of a DSI solution, available in real time with no work-day lost;
• The tool enables the Executive S&OP team to make real time simulations during S&OP;
• Improved decision making for the Executive S&OP team
• The Supply Chain Planning team is focused on analysing data and trends as opposed to being consumed with S&OP deck preparation

 

'Fit to win' supply chain solution delivering higher agility and service with lower end to end total cost

SITUATION & CHALLENGE

The client is a Global Distributor of electronic equipment and electrical components with a high service level, multi-channel customer offer.

 

Read more: 'Fit to win' supply chain solution delivering higher agility and service with lower end to end...

Industry 4.0 Potential Assessment in Pharma Manufacturer resulting in the elaboration of 10 digital solutions

Client situation & approach

The client is a world leader in the development and manufacture of mainly lactose-based excipients. Production is based on make-to-stock & make-to-order principles however, even though the MTO element (highly manual specified products from a designated site) only makes up a small part of orders, it generates ~30% of profit.

Also, the IT landscape is made up of unaligned solutions which cause manual (re-)work and inefficiencies. Currently there are unfulfilled business requirements especially data transparency in in-process-control, electronic batch record and customer portal.

EFESO supported by:

• Carrying out analysis of Fit/gap of processes and tools, IT architecture & Industry 4.0 mapping and Potentials assessment
• Using Use cases & payback for business case development & evaluation
• Road mapping the development of waves and work packages

Results

• Analysis of 132 pain points in total
• 18 of which were manual Excel workarounds
• 2,100h of unplanned and micro stops p.a.
• Elaboration of 10 digital solutions, addressing analyzed pain points
• IT landscape development
• Business case calculation, evaluation and prioritization
• Roadmap development for implementation

 

Lean Laboratory project in a leading R&D pharmaceutical company gains a 29% increase in capacity

Client situation & approach

A leading pharmaceutical company engaged us to increase project workload capacity at their R&D facility. The site was responsible for the development of the next generation of biological derived drugs, including a $6 billion/year blockbuster.

EFESO supported by:

• Optimizing the utilization of the Advanced bioreactor lab at the same time as improving the schedule adherence of current project workloads.
• Improving the robustness of the capacity planning process for all projects that maximized equipment utilization and allowed scientists to focus on scientific innovation thus minimizing Non Value Added tasks.
• Implementing a rhythm wheel levelling strategy for the preculture processes
• Establishing standard work practices for sampling and the analysis of results

Results

• 29% increase in utilization of advanced bioreactor labs
• Implementation of a new optimized planning process
• Significant reduction in downtime due to enhanced planning and re-engineered changeover processes
• Implementation of an electronic visual management system to plan and monitor project progress and report instructive KPIs

 

Growth capability assessment for a strategic business unit of a forest industry company to grow revenues by 60 M€ over 3 years

Client situation & approach

Over the next 3 years, the client wants to grow revenue and EBITDA. It also wants to improve business resilience, offer efficiency and sustainability, as well as change the way of working to be more proactive instead of only reacting to competitors' actions.

Its objectives were to:

• Gain buy-in on a single growth agenda
• Increase revenue over the next 3 years by 60 M€ and EBITDA by 20 M€
• Prioritize important capabilities needed to deliver on growth objectives and
• Develop a plan for gap-closing on prioritized improvement activities including timeline

EFESO supported by:

• Identifying, defining, and quantifying key growth opportunities and gathering of data
• Carrying out and facilitating a web-based self-assessment and joint review sessions
• Coaching of Gap-closure by the analysis of results, identification of critical gaps and definition of gap closure activities
• Developing a Growth Excellence action plan and gaining handshake on that action plan from Stakeholder

Results

• In total, 14 focused Growth opportunities were highlighted which amount to a total contribution to an annual run-rate increase of 65 M€ top line
• The Growth impact analysis helped select 11 critical capability gaps: 3 fundamental and 8 step changes
• Roadmap developed for gap-closing 2020-2023
• Progression plan structured according to capabilities and with a quarterly time frame
• EFESO recommended a phase of a few weeks of detailed preparation before the execution of the progression plan for the coming 3-year period

 

Market Launch Readiness and Program Management project for a car manufacturer delivers successful Connected Services launches in 3 continents

Client situation & approach

The company is a leading player in the Automotive sector. The project relates to the launch of Connected Services to their prestige brand across 3 continents to meet customer expectations and key industry trends where ~96% of new vehicles are projected to be connected by 2030, from ~48% today. Ensuring coherent alignment to the wider group whilst allowing for the services to be exclusive was key.

 

Read more: Market Launch Readiness and Program Management project for a car manufacturer delivers successful...

Progression Strategy in luxury carmaker delivers a Business focused Procurement Strategy

Client situation & approach

The company is a leading premium player in the Automotive sector. The project relates to the procurement strategy agenda definition and management. Each category was assigned a team with the relevant technical expertise, and the same agenda was handed to everyone for consistency. The final output resulted in the delivery of a Procurement Strategy, detailed by category and coherent with overall business direction.

 

Read more: Progression Strategy in luxury carmaker delivers a Business focused Procurement Strategy

Progression Strategy for a luxury sports car manufacturer to support the concept and design of the assembly and logistics for the client’s Factory of the Future

Client situation & approach

The client is a leading global manufacturer of luxury cars, known worldwide for the prestigiousness of its brand and for the performance and design of its vehicles.

Following their strategic plan, a new industrial plan had to be developed - including the definition of new footprint and flows for the main technological areas including bodyshop, vehicle assembly and logistics.

The management required the new footprint to be digital and state-of-the-art, using the most recent successful Industry 4.0 concepts in order to meet the desired combination of flexibility, quality, capex and opex costs.

EFESO supported by:

• Defining and deploying the industrial plan
• Generating ideas and opportunities, based on industry insights and benchmarking
• Ensuring robustness of the assumptions around overall planning, application of best practices, innovative use cases such as flexible automation in manufacturing and logistics
• Leveraging on EFESO’s international expertise to:
• Organise knowledge sharing session with industrial peers
• Develop simulations models
• Organise suppliers’ innovation sessions

Results

• Industrial Plan developed, with required trade-offs between level of innovation, required capex, alignment with strategic plan and overall timing for implementation of the new footprint
• Developed a library of Use Cases for the assembly and logistics of the future
• Facilitation of the required integrated cross-functional efforts to deliver the industrial plan consistent with necessary overall consistency.

 

Progression Strategy - The impact of Connectivity on the E2E value chain of an automotive car manufacturer

Client situation & approach

The client is a leading global manufacturer of luxury sports cars, known worldwide for the prestigiousness of its brand and for the performance and design of its vehicles. The client, to align its offer to the latest market trends and to satisfy customers’ needs, decided to explore the opportunity of launching Connected Services as a standard feature on its cars. These services needed to be compelling and express the exclusivity of the brand.

 

Read more: Progression Strategy - The impact of Connectivity on the E2E value chain of an automotive car...

Procurement cost reduction program in an engineering & machinery company with savings of 5-10%

CLIENT SITUATION & APPROACH

The Client is one of the largest technology suppliers for food processing and a wide range of other industries with over 4 bn EUR revenue worldwide and over 18,490 FTEs.

In 2018 they launched a Procurement review program with target savings of 53 mEUR over 2 years.

During the program, some problems and complexities emerged linked to there being different entities within the client, related to recent acquisitions.

The Challenge

Our assignment was to provide support to accelerate this programme’s performance and results, focusing on 4 redblocks identified: Subcontracted Manufacturing, Field Assembly, RFQ and Negotiation Factory.

We quickly mobilized and brought additional capability and capacity to help the company in filling and delivering the savings pipeline.

The team was split between different redblocks, and activities were carried on in parallel in different countries.

Results

• Issued 2 x RfQs, bridging the needs of group entities: estimated 7% saving on CNC components (12mEUR total spend) and 5% on Carpentry (1,2 mEUR RfQ scope)
• Supported negotiation on RfQs already ongoing (further 5% obtained on 4 mEUR baseline for evaporators and started negotiation on 6mEUR skids baseline)
• Spend analysis and hourly rate collection of Field assembly suppliers, comparison and strategy definition support
• Finalization of the new comprehensive framework for the Category Strategy Development.

 

Design to Value project in the Tobacco industry attaining 30% equipment price reduction

CLIENT SITUATION & APPROACH

The Client is a global leader in tobacco products (both traditional and RRP – reduced risk products). For its next generation RRPs the client wants to reduce the cost of the machines purchased from leading OEMs. At the same time, the Client improve the relationship with its strategic supplier and setup a new collaboration framework, through a Design To Value working together project.

The Challenge

EFESO was appointed in order to setup and run the Design to Value Working Together project between Client and its OEM supplier, and EFESO’s role comprised of the following:

• Project Management and Guidance
• Methodology & Tech Expertise
• Analysis support
• Facilitation of Adoption, Transparency and Open Book approach

Results

As a result of the project the client:

• Attained a price reduction of 30%, plus additional Lifecycle savings.
• It developed as-is and to-be cost model for the equipment, providing a new price baseline
• Deployed a price vs volumes deployment model embedding best practices and Learning Curves, for additional price benefits over the expected collaboration period
• Created a book of >60 opportunities with technical and economic details, and risk assessment
• Phasing plan of saving opportunities

 

Improvement in Value Chain processes of a chemical company sees Inventory Reduced by 40 Million €

CLIENT SITUATION & APPROACH

The client is a Global Business Unit of a key player in the chemical industry. In the context of mitigated financial results, it has decided to firm up its cash management, with a major focus on inventory (working capital) The client requested our support to help them hit the inventory reduction target defined at Corporate level (short term), and improve the teams’ maturity with regards to inventory management (long term) EFESO was working in partnership with the Global Business Unit, and the in-house Excellence Center.

The project was divided into 3 phases. EFESO supported with the first two:

• Quick-win phase: Analyze 3-years best inventory performance expressed in DOS (days of sale) for every SKU and use these as “internal benchmarks”. Based on those, ask local teams to set their targets and validate that the total target reaches the overall objective. Organize weekly follow-up meetings with the S&OP managers to track progress.
• Inventory Excellence (Phase 1): Determine target Inventory level per SKU by applying algorithms and considering various constraints (service level, production constraints…). Define the necessary “performance management” to manage to the standard.

RESULTS

During the quick-win phase: the target has been achieved and inventory has been reduced by 40 Million € over a 5 months period (a reduction from 250 M€) Teams in US, Asia and Europe have been trained in Inventory definition algorithms & methodology to calculate the optimal inventory level Created alignment within the client’s Supply Chain leadership concerning Inventory Performance Management to deploy KPIs and determine where to embed them into the existing S&OP meeting structure. In parallel, several actions were conducted to reduce SMOG (creating clarity and transparency on figures, clarifying the accountabilities…)”.

 

Building Supply Chain Competence and Capability in a Pharma company

CLIENT SITUATION & APPROACH

The client is a global Pharma network. The company’s strategic plan aims at building a professional and competent Supply Chain Team at the core of the business, in order to achieve:

• Inventory Reduction
• Strengthening the relationships with the CMO supplier base (Contract Manufacturing Organisations)
• Taking back control of Demand and Supply Planning

EFESO supported the client by working through three Building Blocks

• Leadership team
  • Build understanding
  • How a Leadership Team should behave
• Full Team
  • Common level of SC understanding
• Demand & Supply Planners
  • Detailed and specific technical knowledge
  • Why and how to change the way they work

RESULTS

Four Progression Leaps underpinned this progression to gain benefits from:

• Inventory Reduction
• Greater Forecast Accuracy
• Improved Monthly Cycle for Planning process to identify value and non-value-added activities
• Effective Product Life Cycle Management

 

Maturity Assessment to accelerate speed in a pharma company

CLIENT SITUATION & APPROACH

The Client has 87 manufacturing sites in 38 countries, employing ±100,000 people. To respond to health needs worldwide, the client needed to strengthen production capacity, promote inter-site collaboration and increase its presence in emerging markets.

EFESO has been asked to provide support on how to develop the Maturity Assessment System to increase collaboration and efficiency in order to sustain this industrial network strategy EFESO supported by:

• Customisation and system design, including web tool set-up, knowledge base customisation and assessment process definition
• Initial training of future internal leaders and system calibration based on EFESO’s professional assessors’ support
• Global system roll-out to converge towards Manufacturing System and system maintenance (for contents and tool)

RESULTS

• More than 150 people actively using the system with 30 certified internal assessors
• Three waves of ten official assessments each with the definition of the progression road maps (including concrete suggestions for all the sites)
• After the first year, the assessment has been rolled out to all the regions
• There is continuous collaboration for the improvement of the digital platform

 

Advanced manufacturing in a leading pharma group: savings’ payback time of 1.4 years for first implementation wave

CLIENT SITUATION & APPROACH

The Client produces, for the world market, inhalation products in plants in UK, France and USA. The sites’ productivity increase targets are > 10% per year. Industry 4.0 activities are seen as the main lever to achieve this target and, especially as in the production area, several Industry 4.0 elements have already been implemented. To get to the next level the client wanted to have an implementation roadmap for the complete plant network and one partner for the implementation process.

The approach we proposed followed three streams:

• Collation of a short list of Industry 4.0 opportunities, starting with 3-day site assessments where the focus was on material flow and other production support functions (quality, maintenance) to determine the as-is situation. We designed an overview of the current process execution, with data flows, IT-systems and an evaluation of the first improvement potentials. In addition to this we jointly identified the most promising Industry 4.0 initiatives that had to be evaluated.
• Identification and evaluation of Smart Factory projects, including the evaluation of investment costs and savings, along with complexity, technical feasibility and implementation effort for a portfolio of 50 Industry 4.0 initiatives, along with a recommendation on which projects should be prioritized and launched
• Implementation plan on the road to the Smart Factory, designing the detailed roadmap to implement Industry 4.0 projects in three waves, defining work packages, required resources and budget for the first wave.

RESULTS

• Identified more than 50 Smart Factory projects with a positive business case
• Implementation roadmap for these projects in three waves, including smart material flow automation, predictive maintenance & digital shop floor management
• Identified savings have a payback time of 1.4 years for the first wave

 

Enabling predictive quality and predictive production through digital process twins

CLIENT SITUATION & APPROACH

A global automotive supplier was facing two major challenges in its dashboard panel production: on the one hand, risks in the process chain remain undetected due to a lack of transparency and poor supplier management. On the other hand, the processing of highly sensitive materials means that even the smallest of errors in the production process can lead to the rejection of complete components. ROI-EFESO supported the customer by using a ‘digital twin’ to map the entire production process step by step. This led to an IoT pilot project that pinpointed potential for improvement and triggers improvements in both production and value stream management at suppliers. As a first step, the project team defined process parameters that could affect both the performance of the plant and the quality result. The derivation of these parameters was empirically based and included initially more than a hundred different parameters, which were reduced or supplemented in the further course of the analysis. In the next step, the team verified that the existing process data had been correctly aggregated and processed and gathered data that had not been previously recorded. The team also used additional sensors to capture the new data required for the defined parameters.

The resulting database was then consolidated and analyzed in a cloud application. On this basis, the project team designed a model that reflects the process of improving the production line for dashboards as precisely as possible - in other words, all relevant parameters, their interactions and critical values. Like the process itself, this model can go far beyond the company. In the case described, for example, it can be extended to the logistics company that transports the foam, or even to the foam manufacturer. This is because the reasons behind problems in the foaming process - such as dangerous temperature fluctuations for the sensitive polyurethane - can appear at any point in the value chain. As a result, the company obtained a digital process map that tracks the entire physical process in real time and enables early intervention according to critical process parameters - a "digital process twin".

RESULTS

With the help of this ‘digital twin’, the project team was not only able to significantly reduce the plant’s rejection rate, but also to make the correlations of relevant influencing factors on the quality result more transparent. The company also developed a prediction model of the result at the next quality gate.

 

Realizing true end-to-end digitization for better customer journeys

CLIENT SITUATION & APPROACH

A global furniture manufacturer was offering a broad variety of different product lines ranging from luxury to discount furniture, each with its own specific sales channels. In order to reshape this kind of segmentation ROI-EFESO created a unified and integrated ‘end-to-end’ process from the customer request to the delivered product that took into account all relevant stations of Value creation: from the customer experience via ordering to manufacturing and logistics.

In two workstreams ROI-EFESO took care of the back-end integration and thus everything that happens from the ERP system all the way to the production for one. For another workstream the project team accelerated the development of the digital channel, starting with the customer experience at the point of sale, working through the ordering process and on to the factory itself.

RESULTS

Parallel front-end and back-end teams ensured that product customization was working flawlessly from the point of sale, through production, to delivery of the product.

The solution created by ROI-EFESO is a highly innovative combination of a 3D visual space and experience and an intelligent configurator. The customer navigates between OLED screens and finds himself in a virtual, photorealistic, 3D animated room. There he is viewing his desired piece of furniture - rendered as a 3D model - from all perspectives. Furthermore, an 'intelligent' configurator is used, comparable to the car configurators used in the automotive industry. During the customer's 'try out' of his virtual product, the salesperson can configure different variants, e.g. the frame of a bed, material or backrests, and visualize them on the screens. In the future, the salesperson can use several different room settings with plant arrangements, parquet or carpet. Ambient lighting effects, i.e. different lighting scenarios for day and night, will enhance the customer experience. This mix of digital and real world turns the purchase into a "wow factor" experience.

Once the customer has preconfigured his furniture, the order can be placed at the touch of a button. The process for this is automated. Product customization via the configurator at the point of sale naturally modifies the supply chain - more variants result in smaller batches. Parallel to the developments in the front-end area, ROI-EFESO has therefore combined the ERP systems of the different brands so that the data of all production and logistics processes are now available in real time.

 

Making a factory future-proof

CLIENT SITUATION & APPROACH

In just four weeks, a pharmaceutical & life sciences company wants to plan the main focus for the Smart Factory Transformation of four plants. Workflows and key performance indicators varied by line and plant, with various digitization needs and priorities. Therefore, at beginning of the project, it was necessary to get a clear picture of the actual maturity and requirements for each location. To this end, the project team developed a scalable approach for lean transformation of the plant. After starting in individual pilot areas of assembly, it transferred the improvements to the current line and finally, with further lessons learned, to the ramp-up of the two new models. After assessing the digital maturity level of the existing production system, the project team held a joint workshop with the plant management to determine the main directions for each site. The result was a big picture that ensured a common understanding among the workshop participants as to where the journey should take them. The commitment for the joint next steps was correspondingly high.

Besides that, the participants also determined the different directions of digitization of the respective locations including topics such as data transfer, advanced analytics, digital twins or autonomous transport systems (AGVs). So-called "deep dives" were then made to explore the technological and economic details of the defined directions identifying for example areas with high potential for driverless transport systems, the size of the investment needed and the economic benefits. From this, it was possible to derive very precise statements regarding profitability / pay back of individual business cases.

At the end of the project, the project team for each location arranged approx. 40 key topics and initiatives from the previous weeks into a portfolio with three structure criteria:

• How large is the existing efficiency lever and how high are the possible cost savings?
• How much does the whole thing cost in the end?
• How quickly can the topic be implemented?

RESULTS

Among other things, three key topics were identified, that fulfill three requirements: quickly realizable, low deployment cost and great benefits. The other focal points from the portfolio were added to the "open items" list in order to implement them later. After a portfolio evaluation of all decision-making instances in the company, the implementation of the following actions was started:

• Deployment of driverless transport systems for smart material flow
• Implementation of cobots (collaborative robotics) to support employees
• Realization of real-time tracking systems for more data transparency and a more precise knowledge of the current stocks

With these digitization initiatives, the company has been optimally equipped for further Smart factory transformation at all locations. Already in the planning phase, it was thus possible to improve the quality of the process and operational excellence at the sites.

 

Progression strategy in medical devices & pharma company delivers business model to penetrate new markets

 

Read more: Progression strategy in medical devices & pharma company delivers business model to penetrate new...

Debottlenecking project in a Pharma company saw real benefit, EUR 2,6 m

The client is a mid-size pharmaceutical company which produces API. They anticipated an increasing demand for one of the most strategic APIs produced in their Italian plant.

 

Read more: Debottlenecking project in a Pharma company saw real benefit, EUR 2,6 m

Real Lean Transformation in a Biopharmaceutical R&D Facility

Client situation & approach

A leading pharma company engaged us to increase project workload capacity at their R&D facility whilst improving the schedule adherence of current project workloads. Advanced bioreactor labs utilization was optimized at a site responsible for the development of the next gener­ation of biological derived drugs, including one $6 billion/year blockbuster

• Robust capacity planning process for all projects that maximized equipment utilization and let scientists focus on scientific innovation (NVA tasks minimized)
• Rhythm wheel levelling strategy for preculture processes
• Established standard work practices for the sampling and analysis of results
• Electronic visual management system to monitor projects progress and report instructive KPIs

Results

• Optimized utilization of advanced bioreactor labs by 29% with significant downtime reduction thanks to new planning and re-engineered changeover processes

 

Leading Progression and Mobilising for Progression

Client situation & approach

The Benelux affiliate of an international pharma company was looking for expertise and methodology to structurally and culturally prepare their Belgian organisation for the coming year strategy, including the expansion of their product portfolio and a target of 40% in sales increase. We supported in:

• Implementing a three-dimensional approach: ‘Organisational Re-design’ combined with ‘Expected Team’s Behaviors Identification’
• ‘Leadership Practices Adjustment’ with the scope to concretise real change toward increased sales results

Results

• Definition, through a participative approach, of a new way to organise the teams, of some roles’ purpose and of a new organisational chart
• Identification of the expected team behaviors
• Start of the thinking process around the leadership practices to underline the expected cultural change

 

Industrial master plan optimization for a leading pharma group

Client situation & approach

The Operations Top Management of a leading French pharma group with 10 units in France, aimed at building a more efficient model to face growth. We supported in:

• Defining the long-term vision and goals
• Mapping and diagnosing the current situation and defining the core competencies
• Defining the levers for the current organization: cost reduction, complexity management, new target operating model
• Defining and evaluating several scenarios

Results

• Alignment with production, Supply Chain, marketing and sales
• Production footprint optimization: location, capacities, production plant technology (Factory 4.0), resources and capabilities
• New Industrial Master Plan Modelling
• Definition of a 10 M€ cost reduction plan included masterplan and impact study on the organization

 

Concurrent Digitalised Value Chain in a Pharma Company

Client situation & approach

A leading international pharma company, operating proficiently yet in a traditional manner (S&OP with limited multifunctional involvement, Supply Chain disconnected from rest of Value Chain) seeked for vertical and horizontal integration. EFESO partnership on Digital with FibonacciLab boosted proficiency in process re-design, data management, technology understanding and change management implementation. We supported in:

• Designing and integrating data with all ERPs
• Identifying and implementing technology solutions with existing systems and work processes

Results

• Service improvement from 97 to >99%, inventory reduction: 13%, remnants reduction: 3%, workforce rightsizing: -75%
• Integrated Business Planning cockpit based on ONE number and ONE source of truth
• Machine learning based autonomous Demand forecasting and narrow artificial intelligence generated Prescriptive Supply Planning

 

Digital Transformation - Progression Management System in a Pharma Company

Client situation & approach

A leading company in pharma industry had the challenge to manage performance in an efficient way, reducing bureaucracy and improving its knowledge capitalization efforts. To digitalize its performance improvement meetings and problem solving process we implemented Solvace solution (an EFESO Consulting partner for OpExc Saas platform) :

• White boards replaced by touch screens, allowing teams to run performance meetings without changing habits
• Root cause analyses moved from paper to digital
• Adoption was fast among the users, typically able to use Solvace after a couple of meetings

Results

• Digitalized log book for authorities on deviations and daily operations
• 1500 meetings run digitally every month
• Up to 20% higher adherence to action plans
• 100% of Problem Solving and Performance Improvement data capitalized

 

WCOM™ in a Global Provider of Services to Pharma

Client situation & approach

A global provider of integrated services to pharma and biotech had developed a competitive advantage enabling a sharp growth. Yet some growth blockers existed. We supported in Order Management process re-engineering, performance measurement and implemented systemic changes through adoption and leadership:

• Developing a business Progression Plan and linking strategic objectives and improvement activities at operational level
• Conducting process reengineering activities and defining a planning cycle and High Impact Meetings coaching

Results

• Detailed 4-Dynamics (Value, Flow, Asset, Human) process assessment of Order Management
• Weekly Planning cycle redesign and effective meeting frameworks implementation
• 30% OTIF, PCS for loss eradication to meet target of ~95%, Lead time control for sub-process steps, order processing, document generation, review and approval, purchasing, QC, QA

 

Value Chain Perfect Execution in a Polymer Products Leader

 

Read more: Value Chain Perfect Execution in a Polymer Products Leader

Performance Improvement Plan

Client situation & approach

The company has shown impressive growth in International fashion retail. A request was made to perform an operational scan at the main warehouse to find improvements in:

• Low man-hour efficiency
• Lost and damaged goods
• Debottlenecking

RESULTS

• Workshop to align shop floor and top floor
• Improvement plan focussed on the main issues in goods intake and put away
• Analyses on losses in planning and on shop floor
• Insight in flow paths to increase capacity

 

Cultural transformation in port of Antwerp, realising the first business results while shaping the future, together with leaders and employees

Client situation & approach

Port of Antwerp is the EU’s second-largest seaport who faces several challenges in parallel: Ensuring growth in an increasingly competitive and unstable international market, managing the growing influence of pressure groups, managing the congestion issues linked to increased traffic, organizing a transition from the linear to the circular economy, maintaining the operational excellence while evolving from a sea port to a smart port, gathering data from different stakeholders and transforming these into value added information and services.

These changes, together with the arrival of new competitors, mean that the client needs to adapt continuously if it wants to stay “one step ahead” and safeguard its existence. Based on a trend analysis, interviews with stakeholders of the port platform community and employees, the future role of the client was defined. On top of the existing roles (Operator, Landlord, Authority), it became clear that the port was expected to take on a new role of Community Builder of the platform, being a facilitator to resolve structural and systemic issues to create a win–win for different players. This new role expects the client to evolve from a monopolist government institution to a stakeholder driven enterprise, which requires a fundamental change in strategy, processes, collaboration and human dynamics. This being a company wide culture transformation, EFESO worked on enterprise program portfolio alignment, leadership engagement, focused improvement initiatives and change management; collaborating with other specialist partners and with stakeholders in the port platform community.

The approach consists of:

• Co-creation workshops with transversal Extended Leadership Teams (ELT) to define the strategic program portfolio and governance to determine the Company Priorities of the Enterprise Plan, linked to one overarching and compelling storyline
• Launch of Leadership Journey where ELT members define and implement the desired cultural framework in sprints (strategy cycle process, winning teams, leadership, ...)
• Definition, roll-out and follow-up of the Port Enterprise Portfolio Management Office and launch of the governance of SteerCos and project teams
• Focused Process Improvement and change management initiatives within several divisions
• Facilitation of Extended Enterprise Workshops to enhance collaboration with different stakeholders in the port platform

Initial results

• Approved Strategic Project Portfolio and Governance Plan based on the new mission/vision as a compass for the company
• First results from the Strategic Program Projects (Commercial Strategy, Waterbus, improvement of safety results, ...)
• First business results, e.g. maintenance time reduction from 6 months to 6 weeks (“Major revisions” Throughput Time Reduction (TTR) on tugs from /- 6 months to /- 10 weeks, within budget – Throughput Time Reduction on “large planned maintenance” from /- 6 weeks to /- 3 weeks , within budget - Faster reaction to, and handling of, breakdowns due to role & responsibility clarification and leaner process)
• Promising collaboration pilots with different stakeholders (shippers, forwarders, inward shippers, ...)
• Improved management and operational practices during High Impact Moments in line with the desired culture

 

Retailer Merger for Service Improvement

Client situation & approach

The client is a major food retailer. Competitive pressure was driving the need for an integrated supply chain to improve store service and supply chain synergies. Challenging issues were:

• Strategy adoption required from 50 stakeholders, largest player perceived to dominate others so one of the smallest stakeholders appointed work stream leader.
• Inefficient legacy network with no common service level agreement.
• No defined way of trading off cost and service

RESULTS

Undertook Network Design modelling with store service set as the key objective:

• Single service agreement defined for whole organisation
• Single set of supply chain operational policies, delivering improved processes and availability (4.4% growth like for like)
• Improved lead-times and delivery frequency (33% improvement)
• Established a Logistics working party to embed a collaborative working environment

 

Network Strategy Distribution Centre

Client situation & approach

A national food retailer grown in recent years through acquisitions. Potential distribution network synergies not been realised. Challenging issues were:

• Different product group characteristics.
• Predicted growth, stretching the capacity of the legacy assets.
• Multiple outlet formats with little understanding of the cost to serve differences.

We used our standard approach with specific emphasis on:

• Segmentation analysis to identify customer needs and logistics product groups.
• Detailed understanding of the key supply chain cost drivers related to the customer types and product groups.
• Developed a network model to evaluate multiple scenarios, retaining Divisional visibility for stakeholder engagement.

RESULTS

Designed a flexible logistics infrastructure to realise operational synergies and support the business expansion plans.

• 17%-20% reduction in operating cost
• Developed a 5-year migration plan and roadmap to seamlessly transition to 4 new warehouses

 

E2E Value Chain improvements in glass company begins Global synchronization of People, Processes and Digital

 

Read more: E2E Value Chain improvements in glass company begins Global synchronization of People, Processes...

Lean Agile in an Automotive Equipment Supplier to create one Product Development Process Handbook

 

Read more: Lean Agile in an Automotive Equipment Supplier to create one Product Development Process Handbook

Maturity Assessment in an automotive assembler to improve Performance, Digital and Quality Improvement in End-to-Supply Chain

 

Read more: Maturity Assessment in an automotive assembler to improve Performance, Digital and Quality...

Mobilising for progression with a global industrial supplier by Human Dynamics(HD)-reinforced deployment of integrated planning

Client situation & approach

Our client is a Swedish leading OE supplier with manufacturing plants around the world suppling industrial parts and services globally. It had decided to move from a fragmented Demand Planning to an Integrated Demand Planning process in 50 sites and 20 warehouses. This would be the biggest change in the client’s demand chain for 30 years, dramatically impacting staff roles and responsibilities and ways of working. EFESO was asked to do a change readiness assessment of the first two deployed plants, as well as the affected warehouses with the objective to deliver a HD reinforced deployment plan for the coming planned plants.

To establish a sustainable Progression/implementation (P) of a project both the Quality (Q) of the solutions - the design of the systems, tools, structures, plans, procedures, roles etc. and the Adoption, Activation, Anchoring (A3) of the solutions - the way people are relating to the device/the solutions, need to be addressed and focused. Illustrated by the logic [P=Q x A3] formula.

Results

HD reinforced deployment plan based on gaps identified by the assessment which led to a more effective, accelerated and sustainable implementation plan (considering both the hard and soft aspects). Some examples:

• Earlier adoption by the plant teams of the new system and way of working by having full understanding and knowledge of the system and the impact of the change
• Earlier activation of the plant teams and engagements of the local leadership team by involving them much earlier in the implementation approach
• Sustainable use and continuous improvement of the new system, measurement and follow-up activities and improved progression monitoring
• Improved structure, processes, methods and deployed objectives to manage acceptance and people motivation

Upgrade of the global implementation plan with the best practices of the pilot sites:

• Dedicated training, communication and change person to guide all roles during the transition
• Creation of an end-to-end playbook to support the transition with description of roles, phases, activities, etc.

 

WCOM™ implementation in a Cosmetics company with +20% in OEE and +22.6% in OTIF

 

Read more: WCOM™ implementation in a Cosmetics company with +20% in OEE and +22.6% in OTIF

Organisational redesign in Cosmetics company with indirect cost reduction plan saving more than the expected 10% (4.5ME)

 

Read more: Organisational redesign in Cosmetics company with indirect cost reduction plan saving more than...

Lean Lab project in a Personal Care company with 10-30% productivity increase across the lab network

 

Read more: Lean Lab project in a Personal Care company with 10-30% productivity increase across the lab network

Progression Strategy in Cosmetics with Industrial Master Plan optimization and a cost reduction plan of EUR 10 m

 

Read more: Progression Strategy in Cosmetics with Industrial Master Plan optimization and a cost reduction...

Accelerated operational improvement in aerospace & defense speeds up recurring cost reduction and throughput targets

 

Read more: Accelerated operational improvement in aerospace & defense speeds up recurring cost reduction and...

A lean project in Aerospace & Defence with a lead time reduction of 50%

 

Read more: A lean project in Aerospace & Defence with a lead time reduction of 50%

Strengthening a fit to win organization in the food industry

Client situation & approach

A global player in the food industry faced challenges: profitable growth acceleration and fixed costs continuously increasing in value and in percentage versus gross margin but with an EBITDA lower than that of the main competitors.

EFESO worked in tandem with the executive team to redesign the organization in 100 days through four complementary approaches:

• Translation of strategy into strategic capabilities
• Gap diagnosis
• "Top-down" analysis of macro organization scenarios
• "Bottom-up" workshops with operational staff

Results

• Savings valued and agreed around 15% of total SG&A costs segmented on three levels, linked to the complexity of change: "restore basic conditions", "optimize the organization" and "transform the organization “with a concrete progression plan for deployment
• The progression plan included structural, competence and motivational drivers with options including outsourcing, shared services and new process design with change management elements to facilitate the transformation execution

 

Operational Excellence in the beer sector

Client situation & approach

An international leader in the Beer sector present in 70 countries with more than 150 breweries spread across the globe. The company decided to launch a global Continuous Improvement initiative to generate cost efficiency improvements to support new acquisitions while at the same time creating a common ‘way of working’ throughout its Supply Chain Operations.

EFESO supported in:

• Co-designing its customized Operational Excellence Program framework
• Deploying it progressively in the operating units
• Designing and delivering on-the-job training to thousands of employees on OpEx methodologies to build internal capabilities for an autonomous roll-out in the new units
• Co-creating the client’s methodological ‘OpEx Toolbox’ with all main pillars in manufacturing and logistics
• Providing plant leadership teams with a step change in their change management skills through training programs followed by the practical application
• Facilitating the process for High Performance Organizational design of their future operating units

Results

• An extended Continuous Improvement culture throughout the entire Supply Chain organization with all 150 breweries consistently running the OpEx Program
• Major results in terms of OEE improvement ( 20%), material waste reduction (-22%), transportation cost reduction (-12%) and other losses reduction through more than 20.000 improvement projects
• In the first 8 years of the OpEx Program implementation, productivity doubled and fixed & variable cost were reduced by 35% contributing to delivering 400M€ savings within Supply Chain
• A full-fledged HPO Organizational Design blueprint for future operating units
• 700 certified PKE™ employees able to successfully drive Continuous Improvement both in manufacturing and logistics
• A fully embedded change management capability in most operating units

 

Distribution Center Optimization

Client situation & approach

The company is a retailer that is gradually increasing its online sales and divesting its food business. Sales are decreasing slowly and profits are under pressure. The DC struggles to:

• Implement improvement projects
• Get the continuous improvement loop running.

Results

We ran a diagnostic to identify the potential and mobilised a 3-year program that led to:

• Definition of a steering and accountability structure
• A breakdown of KPI’s to Action Indicators and frequent monitoring of these to evoke performance behavior
• Trained and coached personnel to act as facilitators during performance meetings (shift handover, daily meetings etc)
• A 6% improvement in productivity performance 10 months after the start of the program.

 

Design to Value & Should Cost practices to sustain advanced Procurement strategies

Client situation & approach

Global manufacturer of helicopters wanted to profitably increase market shares in both mature market segments and innovative niches. Investment in key Design to Value initiatives on two main product platforms, one dating back 20 years and one game changer in the industry. We supported in:

• Addressing the overall product structures, on both make and buy and assessing the cost reduction potential of both product platforms
• Evaluating best improvement strategies and solutions for components and airframe, combining re-negotiation, re-sourcing, re-industrialization, re-design
• Implementing cost reduction programs

Results

• For the existing platform, more than 20% of product cost reduction, and gap closed with target cost enabling to profitably win new contracts
• For the new platform, more than 25% cost reduction and financial viability ensured for the program business case, with sign-off of investments to finalize entry-into-service
• DTV/SC organizational unit set-up and capable to support product competitiveness in make and buy cost areas

 

Contract Management in the Rolling Stock Sector

Client situation & approach

An Italian leader in high-speed trains design and manufacture of, with more than 2,000 employees, entered into separate contracts for the design and manufacturing of 100 high-speed diesel trains.  This was in response to the need of a primary railway operator to modernise its train fleet. 
EFESO was asked to carry out industrial and economic evaluations and to work in a joint task force alongside the legal office and the company’s management to:  

• Support the negotiations with a wide range of activities, including the elaboration of specific analysis and task force coordination
• Support the Client in the day by day management of the complex contractual framework
• Achieve an amicable settlement between the Client and the final customer
• Execute the projects in compliance with the mutual contractual obligations, reducing the possible rise of future disagreements

Results

• Avoidance of the contract termination risk
• Mitigation of damages requested by the counterpart for the delivery delays
• Agreement on the supply of additional value-added services in lieu of the cash payment

 

Lean implementation in helicopter assembly with lead time reduction by 20% and capital reduction by 35%

Client situation & approach

One of the leading worldwide helicopters manufacturer, with 5,000 employees, which was not able to respect promised delivery times and avoid high extra-costs due to the request of shorter delivery time, an increase in complexity of configuration and the high costs of late configuration. In this scenario, EFESO was asked to:

• conduct an analysis of actual flows and loss intelligence
• implement a new process-oriented organization (lean “engineering to order”)
• perform a modelling of workload and queues in engineering department
• define effective planning based on configuration

Results

• Stability by the introduction of lean in engineering
• Improved reliability of planning and visibility of losses upfront
• Lead time reduction of 20%
• Working capital reduction by 35%

 

Indirect spend optimisation programme in a soccer club

Client situation & approach

A professional Italian football club was wanting to achieve important savings in different areas (marketing, catering & food, facility mgt, materials & prof service, utilities & municipality, rental, travel and digital strategy). In tandem with the client, EFESO launched an Indirect Spend Optimisation programme, composed of three steps:

• Mapping and Maturity Assessment, to map the external expenditures and assess top-down procurement function maturity
• Levers identification and Roadmap definition, to reduce expenses and define the implementation plan
• Implementation, to support the procurement functions in achieving targeted savings

Results

• -25% overall gains (-25% travel, -40% catering & food, -47% telco, -34% insurance)
• New process and tools to ensure spend control
• Increased contractualisation level and monitoring of suppliers’ performances
• Functions more skilled

 

Progression Strategy in frozen food company wanting ambitious growth obtains +7% turnover and +4,7% net operating income

 

Read more: Progression Strategy in frozen food company wanting ambitious growth obtains +7% turnover and...

Lean Agile Processes in tobacco company result in selection and delivery of projects on time and within budget

 

Read more: Lean Agile Processes in tobacco company result in selection and delivery of projects on time and...

Progression Strategy in malt industry defines the best operations strategy designing new industrial footprint

 

Read more: Progression Strategy in malt industry defines the best operations strategy designing new...

Complexity reduction in Global Consumer Packaged Goods company brings aligned standards across Supply Chain Operations

 

Read more: Complexity reduction in Global Consumer Packaged Goods company brings aligned standards across...

Progression Strategy of complexity reduction in dairy obtains +5 points of operating profit

 

Read more: Progression Strategy of complexity reduction in dairy obtains +5 points of operating profit

Supply Chain Excellence in global wholesale retailer identifies quick wins for improving availability and product flow

 

Read more: Supply Chain Excellence in global wholesale retailer identifies quick wins for improving...

Supply Chain migration plan in food & drink wholesaler / distributor exploits synergies to gain 20% in operating costs

 

Read more: Supply Chain migration plan in food & drink wholesaler / distributor exploits synergies to gain...

Operational Excellence in a beer multinational improving capability of more than 5.000 people

 

Read more: Operational Excellence in a beer multinational improving capability of more than 5.000 people

Performance Improvement in dairy Distribution Center increasing productivity by 10% in one year

 

Read more: Performance Improvement in dairy Distribution Center increasing productivity by 10% in one year

Complexity reduction in a tyre manufacturer achieving +30% on Ebitda

 

Read more: Complexity reduction in a tyre manufacturer achieving +30% on Ebitda

Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) valuation for a joint venture negotiation in Aerospace & Defence

 

Read more: Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) valuation for a joint venture negotiation in Aerospace & Defence

Dispute Resolution support for a civil aircraft manufacturer leading a damage mitigation claimed by the OEM

 

Read more: Dispute Resolution support for a civil aircraft manufacturer leading a damage mitigation claimed...

Capability Development in an electrical, electronic & electromechanical company achieving Contract Management Excellence

 

Read more: Capability Development in an electrical, electronic & electromechanical company achieving Contract...

Route to Market for tobacco manufacturer results in huge savings from greatly improved distribution network

 

Read more: Route to Market for tobacco manufacturer results in huge savings from greatly improved...

Business Aligned Network Design in Textile company results in +20% sales and margins

 

Read more: Business Aligned Network Design in Textile company results in +20% sales and margins

Improved Supply Chain capability supports growth with 15-25% inventory reduction, 3-5% procurement savings

 

Read more: Improved Supply Chain capability supports growth with 15-25% inventory reduction, 3-5% procurement...

Value Chain strategy development of logistics & distribution model in Lubricants BU of Oil & Gas company

 

Read more: Value Chain strategy development of logistics & distribution model in Lubricants BU of Oil & Gas...

Improve Nutrition laboratory efficiency and effectiveness

Client situation & approach

Our client is a Nutrition laboratory in a Global multi-site environment in Europe, USA and Asia. The objective of this program was to improve laboratory efficiency and effectiveness through the utilization of lean tools and principles. It covered a range of GMP laboratory types including analytical chemistry, microbiology, environmental monitoring, incoming materials and in process control. We supported in:

• Levelling strategies specific to the lab type
• Flow via defined sequences such as rhythm wheels and trains
• Standard work supported by role cards
• Short interval control and supporting visual management tools
• Targeted elimination of non-value adding activity

Results

• Productivity improvements ranging from 15% to 46%
• Balanced, productive work days for all analysts
• Increased levels of cross training
• Continuous improvement of culture and mindset growing within the laboratories
• Consistent adherence to lead time targets

 

Reduce the overall lead time for an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient

Client situation & approach

Our client is an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) company located in Ireland. The objective of this program was to reduce the overall lead time from the manufacture of the product to the final release (Quality Control and Quality Assurance). We supported in:

• Quality Control: queue based levelling and rhythm wheel, standard work roles, visual management
• Quality Assurance: batch record re-engineering, process optimization (batch record review and corrections, investigation management, disposition).

 

 

Results

• Reduction in QC lead time from an average of 13.4 days to an average of 4.7 days
• Alignment of the QA timeline to the QC timeline i.e. disposition ready to complete as soon as the lab results are finalized
• Fixed repeatable analyst requirement
• Continuous improvement culture and mindset growing within the laboratories. 

 

 

Reduce batch record review for a Solid Dose (Small Molecule) Pharmaceutical company

Client situation & approach

Our client is a Solid Dose (Small Molecule) Pharmaceutical company in a Global multi-site environment in North America. The primary objective of this project was to reduce batch record review and disposition times to facilitate accelerated release of product to market. Ancillary objectives included increasing QA team productivity through implementation of capacity planning and standard work and streamlining of deviation management processes. We supported in:

• At a Regional level: A standardized approach for managing batch review and disposition workloads including capacity planning and monitoring of key performance indicators
• At a Site level: Levelling, flow and standard work solutions tailored to the site-specific targets. Implementation of effective visual management systems that optimized daily internal processes and customer delivery. Design and implementation of a digital visual management solution for site-wide deviation management

Results

• Reduction of batch record cycle time from an average of 12 days to 48 hours or less
• Self-directed work teams capable of overcoming transient workload peaks through capacity resource modelling, ultimately ensuring robust supply chain delivery
• Increased visibility and oversight of deviations with concomitant rapid escalation and resolution through the implementation of a digital visual management system

 

 

 

 

Throughput time improvement in a Contract Research Organisation

Client situation & approach

Our client is a Contract Research Organization (CRO) in the USA. Our client, a leader in the third-party contract testing field engaged us to improve the throughput time from sample receipt to COA approval. This environment is quite a challenging one given the paucity of forecast data and the need for a dynamic, flexible workforce to meet challenging customer turnaround times. Additional foci of the project included the creation of standardized roles and a robust and consistent capacity planning process. We supported in:

• Short term assay-specific volatility levelling, increased flow dynamics and standardized work aligned to customer needs
• Capacity planning process integrated with the client’s sample management IT system
• Standard best practice approaches to visual management, 5S and consumable inventory management.

 

 

Results

• Re-engineered front-end framework resulted in priority samples reaching the testing laboratories faster (30-40%) without any retardation of routine samples, resulting in increased on-time delivery/customer service
• Optimized capacity planning structure gave rise to significant decreases in workload volatility (20%), ensuring consistent and repeatable performance
• A substantial increase in workforce flexibility (40%), ultimately contributing to greater customer service
• Implementation of visual management, sample management, consumable inventory management and 5S / workplace organization systems improving overall productivity.

 

 

 

 

Lean Lab approach in Pharma company gains 15% productivity improvement

 

Read more: Lean Lab approach in Pharma company gains 15% productivity improvement

Connecting Performance and Behavior in soft drinks company while installing Lean culture achieves -10% safety incidents and $2m waste reduction

Client situation & approach

An international food, snack & beverage company with a large global footprint of manufacturing and distribution sites needed help setting up and deploying a sustainable lean culture, initially, in multiple European sites. In tandem with EFESO, the client introduced Human Dynamics elements into the existing programme from top floor to shop floor in the following manner:

• Creating a strong compelling storyline
• Defining concrete behaviors for every target population
• Make leaders examples and cultural ambassadors
• Install a Performance Management System to manage progression of the site culture

RESULTS

• 10% reduction in safety incidents
• Waste decreased from average 6% to average 4%
• Translation of the concept of “culture” into concrete and observable behavior
• Improved leadership capabilities to manage and influence behavioral change, and to engage and mobilize teams towards the desired Lean culture

 

Performance Behavior project in a chemical company with 40% improvement achieved on the selected KPI

Client situation & approach

The client is a global producer of natural gas-based fertilizers and industrial chemicals, employing around 3000 people. Confronted with an ageing workforce at the sites, increasing environmental regulations, internal pressure to reduce safety risks and need to improve the plant performance a Behavior Excellence initiative was launched in 1 key site in the Netherlands as a blueprint.

Results

• BAS (Behavior Analysis System) score of Effective leadership skills and behaviours increased from 25% to 65%
• Reduction weight variation packing department from 10 % variation to 2% variation
• Sustainable and tangible process improvements realized leading to significant benefits (e.g. increased volume, increased First Time Right quality, improved safety indicators)
• Effective performance management and dialogue established throughout all layers of the company
• Improved ability to conduct transformation programmes at the sites with limited resources from external parties

 

Securing wood supply volume and abatement of Price Fluctuation for a high-end paper and board producer

Client situation & approach

Our client is a high-end paper and board producer only utilising virgin fibres. The reliable supply of wood, preferably FSC-certified, is critical for our client. Our client has three main sources of wood, namely: its own forests, international import and wood from private landowners. The latter is secured via an organisation purchasing harvesting rights from private landowners. The set goals were to increase the amount of FSC-certified wood, stabilise price levels and increase volume per purchaser. The tools used included a mixture of Lean Administration, Performance Behaviour and Sales Growth.

Results

• The effectiveness of the purchasing organisation increased with over 10 %
• The price fluctuations or rather errors when pricing harvesting rights were reduced to zero
• The amount of FSC-certified suppliers increased by 26 %

 

Vertical Start-up for Millions of Revenues for large paper manufacturer facing an investment in a new paper machine

Client situation & approach

Our client is a large paper manufacturer facing an investment in a new paper machine, increasing their capacity tremendously. By integrating Project Management, Early Equipment Management and WCOM-methodology the investment project reached exceptional results and went beyond the purchase of the new machine and involved the restructuration of the entire mill.

Results

• 3 % of OEE vs. budget
• Start-up lasted half the time in comparison to the benchmark in the group
• Generated five million EUR additional revenue in the first ten months

 

Closing Saw Mill saved by WCOM™

Client situation & approach

Our client is a sawmill producing 85 000 sqm of customized sawn timber for carpentry. The sawmill was at risk of being closed due to a declining trend in efficiency in the production process deriving from a high amount of breakdowns, shortstops and quality problems. To stay in business our client needed to increase efficiency from 30 % to 34 %. After conducting an analysis to identify the biggest losses, cross-functional improvement teams were put together to eliminate losses and improve efficiency. In addition to this, all employees were trained in improvement methods.

Results

• Efficiency was increased from 30 % to 38 % on average per week
• Sawmill still operating thanks to the extensive improvement
• Awareness throughout the whole organization on breakdowns, shortstops and quality problems and how these factors affect equipment efficiency

 

Digital Performance Control System implementation in Chemicals with meetings’ efficiency improved by 40%

Client situation & approach

Our client, the Food Specialties branch of a major chemical group, aimed at increasing the output of its enzyme business, which was constrained by the supply. Confronted with a lack of performance culture and of execution discipline, the management had the ambition to have full transparency, to provide an integrated view on performance and to leverage on digital and advanced analytics, with the objective to increase the output of a site in France by 40% in 12 months, without major capacity investments.

An ambitious Digital Performance Control System was implemented during 6 weeks through a step-by-step and bottom-up approach: starting with daily site, then underlying sectors, adding problem solving, leveraging on behaviour (prepare, facilitate, action closing, …), improving meeting content in a participative way, integrating data.

Results

• Important impact on meeting efficiency (shorter meetings, less participants, better coverage, automatic data feed, …): 40%
• Huge impact on meeting effectiveness (coherence, speed of intervention, right topics, deeper insights, quality of root cause analysis, … and especially discipline on action closing)

 

Developing creative growth strategies to capture value

Client situation & approach

The client is a multinational consumer healthcare / pharma company, with EUR 33 billion in sales, is present in 100 countries and employs more than 110.000 people.

The ambition was to become n°5 and n°2 worldwide in two product categories, creating and maintaining an entrepreneurial attitude for smart decisions taken at global level.

Market, business, trends & needs analysis was performed through a network of experts and innovators to capture growth opportunities.

The assignment contained development of distinct growth strategies considering the «company fit» including capabilities, culture, brand analysis, M&A opportunity identification and innovation stream.

Multiple risk analyses and business cases for deployment of global and regional growth initiatives were developed.

Results

• Eight strategic scenarios were designed, each one containing a coherent strategic direction to reach the target turnover
• P&L impact of all strategic scenarios was quantified and an overview of the sensitivities of each business case was drafted
• The innovation stream produced ten fully developed concepts

 

Performance behavior & WCOM™

Client situation & approach

Our client is going through a process of establishing an omni-channel strategy. This requires a restructuring and integration of its distribution network. The opportunity for change at it’s key distribution center includes:

• Optimisation of operations and cost reduction
• Identification and delivery of improvement projects
• Creation of a continuous improvement culture and way of working
• Development of performance oriented culture and behaviors.

RESULTS

• Increased productivity and reduction of labour costs (>10% within year 1)
• The establishment of a new management system, including the training and coaching of all managerial and supervisory levels
• Optimised product flow and resource planning resulting in an increased capacity of the DC
• Incorporated a continuous improvement approach within the operating model

 

Transition to Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) at global packaging company achieves 1m€ of total run rate cost savings over 30 TPM teams

Client situation & approach

The client is a world-leading global packaging manufacturer headquartered in the Nordics but present in 30 countries and 80 sites around the world with18.000 employees and net sales of EUR 3.4 billion.

The client needs to significantly reduce waste, productivity losses and conversion costs, so they approached EFESO as we have done extensive work and TPM based operations achieving excellent results worldwide with a similar operational entity and structure.

To achieve the desired goals:

• EFESO launched a complete TPM (WCOM™) program in a set of lighthouse plants worldwide first year (2020) followed by another set of lighthouse plants in the second year (2021) together with a set of satellite plants
• The COVID-19 environment required extensive virtual delivery of coaching combined with on-site coaching from local consultants in each country. They used ground-breaking remote PKE (Process Kaizen Engineer) based skill development training using interactive tools and on-site coaching

Results

• Performance improved with a total run-rate cost savings Y1: 1 m€ from 30 improvement teams despite full COVID-19 environment
• Capability improved with 30 trained TPM coaches and 150 people involved in systematic improvement work, global learning and best practice sharing between sites
• Systems implemented covering skills assessment matrix and web-based training, audit system and Gemba rounds
• A benefit of the remote delivery was a reduced cost per participant by 50% in Year 1 (2020) and, in 2021 remote delivery combined with local on-site delivery, offers full flexibility in the training and adoption of culture and processes

 

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