Learning & Development

Ecotone brings their demand planning to a next level

As Europe’s leader in biodiversity-boosting food, Ecotone is all about the good stuff – specialising in organic, vegetarian, Fairtrade and dairy alternatives. Their productgroups vary from Tea and Coffee to Breakfast cereals, Bread and Biscuits as well as Ready-to-eat meals and Veggie spreads. Ecotone is the company behind brands like Bjorg, Bonneterre, Allos, Clipper, Zonnatura and many more. Ecotone owns nine production facilities and also work with a network of suppliers selected in accordance with their values and mission to change the industrial food system with alternative food: organic and plant-based.

Within Ecotone, Demand planning is done per market by locally based demand planners. To bring their work to a higher level they asked Involvation to help them with a Demand Planning training where the different planners met each other. Involvation developed an inspiring three-day-program with best practices of other companies and assignments to inspire people to find improvements in their own way of working. Also some time was planned to share ideas and ways of working between participants.

LEAN Performance Management at the Supply Chain department

Haribo is a worldwide known manufacturer of candy and has been around for more than a hundred years. They are selling their products in more than 120 countries around the world and manufacture from 16 locations in ten countries. Initially known for the Haribo Gold Bears, they now make more than 1,000 different products worldwide.

Haribo BeNe Supply Chain asked us to implement LEAN Performance Management in their department. The aim was to improve the performance of the Supply Chain function with a standardized process, meeting, KPIs and action points.

All employees were trained in the LEAN methodology and tools to analyse and solve problems in a structured way. During the implementation phase, we coached on preparation, process and output. In this way, a number of KPIs have improved in performance and employees embraced an unambiguous way of continuously improving the Supply Chain.

Learning path Inventory Management for Wavin EMEA and Wavin LATAM

Wavin is an innovative solution provider for the building and infrastructure industry across multiple continents. Backed up by 60+ years of expertise, Wavin is geared up to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges around: water supply, sanitation, climate-resilient cities and building performance. Wavin engages and collaborates with city leaders, engineers, planners and installers to help make cities future-proof and buildings comfortable and energy-efficient. Wavin (part of Orbia) has 10,500 employees in 40+ countries worldwide and operates under brands like Wavin, Amanco and Pavco. Wavin’s global head office is situated in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Inventory management is a crucial activity for Wavin. Even more so in the current environment with disruptions and volatility impacting all parts of the supply chain. An extensive learnings path was developed together with Wavin around the topic of Inventory Management. Learning objectives were refreshing the fundamentals, creating an end-to-end vision and approach and implementing improvements. The learning journey was completely remote, very interactive and tailored to Wavin. Learning path elements were e-learnings, theory webinars, business simulations, exercises, and discussions. The same learning path was delivered in both EMEA and LATAM (in Spanish).

RHI Magnesita develops competencies in Global Supply Chain organization

RHI Magnesita is the global leader in refractory products, which are used in all the world’s high-temperature industrial processes. These products are essential in sectors such as steel, cement, limestone, non-ferrous metals, glass, chemicals, energy and the environment.

Following the merger of the Austrian RHI and the Brazilian Magnesita in 2018, a transformation process got underway, starting with the establishment of a Global Supply Chain organization in Rotterdam. Within this organization, a programme was launched to set up a best-in-class integrated supply chain in order to maximize the potential of a fully forward- and backward-integrated value chain.

To ensure that the supply chain organization has the right competencies to execute and implement the new processes and systems that are being developed during the transformation, a supply chain competency development programme has been launched. Involvation is supporting RHIM with this programme by developing a competency framework, analysing the importance of the different competencies for the different roles and ultimately delivering the necessary supply chain-related learning programmes

Coca-Cola changes strategic direction

The Coca-Cola Company is the world’s largest total beverage company, offering over 500 brands to people in more than 200 countries.Coca-Cola is changing it’s strategic direction and is moving from a “sparkling” to a “beverages for life” company. This change has a major impact on Supply Chain. Capability building for Supply Chain is one of the priorities.

Therefore Coca-Cola has partnered with The Value Chain Academy. In a joint effort a targeted Supply Chain training program was developed with focus on Supply Chain planning. The pilot audience was from both Coca-Cola Company and bottlers in the ASEAN region. The program provides intense continuous learning over a 3 month period. It started with an extensive portfolio of eLearnings combined with webinars. In an intense and interactive 3-day face-to-face program in May in Bangkok (audience from more than 10 countries) the theory was brought to life. Important element of the workshop was experiential learning, several games and business simulations were used. After the workshop the participants continue remote with a business simulation and finalize the program with pre-defined work-related projects. Continuous learning and capability building supporting an accelerated “beverages for life” strategy and mindset for Coca-Cola.

Wessanen professionalizes their European Supply Planning process

Wessanen is inspired by nature in everything they do and  a leader in healthy & sustainable food in Europe. Their brand names all have strong local roots and are among the pioneers of the organic market in their country. Their products fall into 6 categories: Veggie meals, Dairy alternatives, Sweet in between, Breakfast cereals, Bread and biscuits alternatives and Coffee & Thea.

Efficiency and effectiveness of their entire value chain is a key driver of value for them. New initiatives to standardize planning processes and develop sales and operational planning (S&OP) across Europe aim at assuring service to the markets, while in the same time maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste in production, warehousing and transport.

After design and implementation of a standard European S&OP process, Wessanen has asked Involvation to help them bring the Supply Planning process to the next level. The group, consisting of Country Supply Planners and Factory Schedulers, is taken through a learning program covering all aspects of Supply Planning. The learning program is a blend of eLearning, exercises, classroom training and on-the-job coaching.

Based on the training and facilitated by Involvation, the group reviews the existing processes and defines an improved way of working. Following this approach it is ensured that real improvements are made by putting the “theoretical” learnings into practice.

Stryker Competency Framework

Stryker is one of the world’s leading medical technology companies and is active in over 100 countries. The company offers a diverse array of innovative products and services in Orthopaedics, Medical and Surgical, and Neuro technology and Spine. 2016 revenues amounted to approx. €10bn and the company is rapidly realising its growth ambition of €20bn in 2021. Stryker operates 41 factories and sells approx. 128,000 different products.

In order to further professionalise its new and centralised global Supply Planning function, Stryker asked Involvation to help develop a global competency and skills framework. Initially the framework will be used to identify the main training requirements per business unit. Over time the use will be extended towards personal development and learning programs, recruitment and the development of structured career paths.

The framework has been developed together with a small core team. It has been signed off and will be piloted in a number of business units early 2018.

Professionalizing supply chain processes by educating people

Wavin provides effective solutions for essential daily needs: safe distribution of gas and drinking water, sustainable rainwater and waste-water management, energy-efficient heating and cooling of buildings, and numerous electrical, telecom and industrial applications.

The supply chain is mainly organized locally, with each country planning and managing its own plants and warehouses. In view of this decentralized organizational structure, Wavin has launched a supply chain management learning program in order to ensure uniform working methods and the same high level of expertise in all countries.

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Developing the capabilities of planners across Europe

Schneider Electric is a global specialist in energy management and automation; the company develops connected technologies and solutions to manage energy and processes in ways that are safe, reliable, efficient and sustainable. The group is present in over 40 countries and employs around 160,000 people.

For a number of plants in Europe, Schneider Electric is keen to understand the training requirements to bring its planners to the desired level in terms of supply chain knowledge and competencies. Involvation will conduct an assessment of the current situation among the planners concerned. The assessment will identify the training requirements both for conceptual supply chain knowledge and for SAP-related competencies. Schneider Electric has also asked Involvation to design a tailored learning programme based on the findings from the assessment.

SI Group is professionalizing their global Demand Planning process

SI Group is a leading global developer and manufacturer of chemical intermediates, specialty resins and solutions that are critical to the quality and performance of countless industrial and consumer goods.

After design and implementation of a standard global S&OP process, SI Group has asked Involvation to help them bring the Demand Planning process to the next level. The group of 10 Demand Planners and Analyst from all the regions, is taken through a learning program covering all aspects of Demand Planning. The learning program is a blend of eLearning, exercises, classroom training and on-the-job coaching. Based on the training and facilitated by Involvation, the group reviewed the existing processes and defined an improved way of working. Following this approach we ensured that real improvements were made by putting the “theoretical” learnings into practice.

Demand Planners and Analysts from all regions not only shared the same way of working now, but also feel empowered to improve the quality of the Demand Plan. And as a spin off, The Demand Planners together with experienced Consultants from Involvation will train the Sales Managers in their region on the new way of working with Demand Planning. This unique approach will bring Demand Planning in the whole organization to a higher level.

Danone Medical Nutrition invests in S&OP training

Danone is a European food company that with annual sales of € 21 billion is able to reach 900 million consumers around the world. Under the brand Nutricia, the division Medical Nutrition develops, produces and sells products for people who are weakened by illness or chronic conditions such as allergies. An example of this is an alternative drink for children who are allergic to cow’s milk. 60% of the activities of the division is dedicated to medical nutrition for seniors.

For approximately 60 employees from all over the world, Danone Medical Nutrition organizes a two-day Supply Chain Academy event on S&OP. Danone asked Involvation to help shape this program. Besides The Fresh Connection, to in an original way gain new insights and increase the understanding of interdependencies, workshops and an expert lecture are delivered on demand planning and IBP.

Fokker on the path towards Operational Excellence

Fokker Technologies is a leading global aerospace specialist that designs, develops and manufactures highly engineered aircraft systems for aircraft manufacturers and provides aircraft fleet support services. Fokker Aerostructures produces light weight subsets and parts at locations in The Netherlands (Hoogeveen and Papendrecht) and Mexico.

To improve the availability of raw materials, components and parts, an operation Excellence Program is initiated. As part of this Program Involvation delivers a two day training course for operational buyers and planners to raise awareness of the importance of communication and collaboration. Involvation’s program is based on serious gaming, since allowing people to experience new concepts and explore ideas for themselves is an extremely effective method. Three serious games are used: Supply Chain Game, Risk Game and The Fresh Connection.

Aliaxis pilots The Value Chain Academy

The Aliaxis Group is a leading global manufacturer and distributor of primarily plastic fluid handling systems used in residential and commercial construction, as well as in industrial and public infrastructure applications. The company is present in over 40 countries, has more than 100 manufacturing and commercial entities and employs 15.700 people.

Aliaxis wants to further improve the service offering to its customers and simultaneously reduce working capital and increase production efficiencies. They have concluded that people development and state-of-the-art processes will be essential enablers. Aliaxis has therefore asked Involvation to run a series of pilots with The Value Chain Academy, covering Supply Chain Management, S&OP, Inventory Management and Production Planning. If successful, the program will be rolled out globally.

Nissan Motor Parts trains planners

Nissan Motor Parts Europe serves the after market in EMEA with original Nissan accessories and spare parts. Therefore it has listed over hundred active parts. The majority of these parts can be qualified as slow mover.

To guarantee service levels while at the same time control costs and working capital Nissan is continuously looking for ways to improve. As part of this process Nissan has asked Involvation to train the inventory planners.

Defense Ammunition Company (DMunB) creates buy-in

DMunB is the supplier of the overall package of ammunition for the Dutch Army, both in operational and in peace situations. With the support of Involvation, DMunB has designed a new and optimized supply chain footprint. In order to get the organization’s essential buy-in, DMunB subsequently asked Involvation to facilitate a roadshow using Involvation’s Supply Chain Management Game, in which the participants will experience the benefits of the new concept.

Professional Inventory Management, the next step

In plant P1 photo paper is produced. The P1 Logistics department wanted to make a next step in improving their inventory management. Apart from the drive to improve, management imposed a challenging working capital target reduction. In the previous years the Logistics team had already made a big improvement in lowering inventory levels. Now they wanted to investigate how to reduce the inventories even more without harming service level. The main question was which inventory management techniques are applicable at FUJIFILM.

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Development Supply Chain Campus

Raising the Supply Chain knowledge of the entire organization. That was the question Henkel Adhesives asked Involvation. Involvation developed a modular Supply Chain Campus for the Henkel organization.

After successful pilots the roll-out in Western Europe started. After that, training courses were given in Argentina, Brazil, China, Chili, Dubai, Mexico, Russia and Turkey.

Training programme

John Deere is one of the largest suppliers of agricultural machinery in the world. A two day pilot program was held at the global headquarters of John Deere with The Fresh Connection, the ultimate value experience.

Unilever hosts TFC for 150 professionals

Every year Unilever Benelux hosts a two day supply chain event with their complete team. Sharing information and teambuilding are central topics during these days.
The Fresh Connection turned out to perfectly match these goals: gaining new insights in an original way, and increasing the understanding of interdependencies. During the first shared session it was shown that the 150 people could take joint control over The Fresh Connection by means of a voting session. Afterwards the group was split into smaller teams that all competed to form the most optimal supply chain. Unilever complimented Involvation on the way they helped a large and diverse group of professionals gain new insights in a fun and quick way. It is no surprise that the participants evaluated the session to be a big success.

Police illustrates classical tradeoffs

The Dutch Police association for collaboration (vtsPN) was founded to join the forces of the police and their partners in safety and order. Within the vtsPN the unit Logistics and Distribution is responsible for equipment and uniform delivery of the entire Dutch Police force. An extensive set of products is managed, varying from uniform clothing to means of personal protection. Of course the classical tradeoff between service and cost plays an important role here. To illustrate tradeoffs and emphasize the collaboration between various parties in the chain, a workshop was organized by Involvation. Members of the Unit Logistics and Distribution played several rounds of the in-company version of The Fresh Connection. Afterwards there was a discussion which focused on how the obtained knowledge can be applied in everyday situations.

Continental learns and strengthens its teams

The Automotive Group by Continental is one of the leading automotive suppliers. Continental AG organized the Global Logistics Automotive Managers Meeting. Logistic- and supply chain managers from all over the world gathered for a two day program with speaches by their leaders, worskhops, networking and so on. Involvation facilitated most of the program with the supply chain training tool The Fresh Connection, the ultimate value experience. Working in teams of four the participants were challenged to design a corporate strategy and set business goals, develop tools to turn strategy into action, manage tradeoffs and set up a structured decision process like Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP). The high degree of interactivity, combined with good support lead to positive feedback. Continental indicated that they had an amazing teambuilding experience with many learning benefits, and that it was very fun to do as well.

Technische Unie: is inventory management a game of chance?

The inventory management department and the trading department are responsible for placing the majority of Technische Unie’s orders at its suppliers. The orders are based on an estimation of the coming period’s sales. Because the quantities ordered for many of the items are intended to last for the whole month, purchases need to think 8 weeks ahead in the case of a 4-week lead time. This makes it seem like a game of chance.

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Sara Lee – learning by experience

With the aid of a supply chain management training programme built around e-learning and six workshop sessions, Sara Lee intended to move towards value stream excellence. The workshops were aimed at strengthening the supply chain community within Sara Lee, providing knowledge about Sara Lee’s supply chain and encouraging the passion for the supply chain management discipline to be shared.

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Coolmark – On-the-job inventory management training

Despite high stock levels, the service level was lower than desired. The company suspected that the inventory did not contain the right balance of product lines. Several areas for improvement, such as focusing on proactive inventory management, making use of differentiated management parameters, and measuring both the input and the output of the process were revealed. The choice for on-the-job training created a unique combination of increasing each employee’s theoretical knowledge and directly applying it to their specific situation.

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Ship-building simulation with Damen

Damen asked Involvation to support its change management with the aid of a business simulation. In addition to classic learning through listening, the company was keen to use a business simulation because research shows that this active form of learning is an effective way of getting across complex material. Damen chose Involvation because of the organisation’s experience in developing business simulations, such as its well-known “The Fresh Connection” management game.

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