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Performance Improvement

Performance excellence at Schaeffler – we can help. We optimize processes, ensure that technologies are introduced smoothly, and create the basis for innovation. We cover a wide range of projects, e.g. cost savings and improvements in competitiveness. In our projects, we identify activities that have added value and eliminate ineffective practices by scrutinizing and replacing developed structures and processes along the value chain.

Our clients benefit from our proven holistic and data-driven approach and from the efficient and cooperative processing of projects. This is tailored to suit their needs and objectives. We guarantee broad-based support and help to implement sustainable business solutions quickly and efficiently.

Example project: Optimization of non-production material (NPM)

Initial situation

Due to new boundary conditions in 2020, a Schaeffler division sought opportunities for reducing its costs in the short term. One option is the reduction of procurement costs.

As part of the preparations for the project, we identified the costs in the area of non-production material (NPM) as a particularly suitable adjustment parameter. This includes, for example, the cleaning of buildings, painting, maintenance of outdoor facilities or the purchase costs of IT equipment.

Challenge

It is important to maintain a balance when reducing costs. We wanted to significantly reduce NPM costs – but only to such an extent that we did not endanger production processes. For this purpose, we had to know the current status of the activities and costs at all times and be able to intervene at short notice if required. It was not possible to fulfill both of these requirements at the beginning of the project.

The acquisition of data was a particular challenge. We had to process, bundle, and harmonize the data across regional and functional boundaries.

Solution

We established an ordering process with an integrated control point. This control point carried out daily checks of all orders with regard to their necessity according to the principle of dual control. If someone initiates an enquiry for painting an office, the system initially rejects the order.

The task force then clarifies directly with the person whether the office painting is operationally relevant and thus absolutely necessary. The new process authorizes purchasers to check and scrutinize all day-to-days orders in a disciplined and cost conscious manner.

Consulting services from Schaeffler Consulting

We implemented the described project conceptionally and operationally within a few weeks. We developed the initial solution in a pilot project in order to validate the methodology and procedure.

Initially, we established the task force, defined the roles and responsibilities, described the tasks, and documented the processes sequences. In conjunction with the colleagues in the Purchasing department, we analyzed all the actual procedures in the ordering process (e.g. orders for catalog products). We identified the relevant interfaces and bottlenecks in the ordering processes. Based on our analysis, we established a new reporting structure in order to check the ordering activities of individual plants. In consultation with IT process coordinators, we installed the new control point at an optimal position in the ordering system.

After ensuring the success of the pilot project, we rolled out the new concept in all the relevant plants in Europe. In addition, we created and handed over a roadmap for the potential savings in NPM for the coming years. Following our work in the project, the task force will ensure that purchasers continue to adhere to the new ordering process and save costs in the long term.

What our clients say about us

Jens Schüler, CEO Automotive Aftermarket

Schaeffler Consulting provided us with great support in the development of our sales strategies and tactics. With their well-founded knowledge of the Schaeffler Group and their comprehensive expertise, they developed targeted processes and methods well aligned with the requirements of the Automotive Aftermarket division.

Thereby, Schaeffler Consulting paid a major contribution to increase efficiency as well as enhance effectiveness. This helps us in many ways to continuously fulfill increasing customer demands.

Your contact fo Performance Improvement

Hardy Ludwig

Schaeffler Consulting GmbH
Thurn- und Taxisstraße 10-12
90411 Nuremberg


Career at Schaeffler Consulting GmbH

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