Automotive Supplier (3)

So, what did we do on that project and what did I learn?

1st: We tried to implement an SOS programme, which is similar to 5S, but basically only 3S. That did not work out, but I learned that cleanliness in a factory is a must. One cannot even imagine how dirty that factory was. Nearly every machine leaked and oil was everywhere. The ground was as slippery as Lake Constance in winter.

2nd: I learned all about Gate Management in R&D. We did not implement a new process in that department but left a very detailed document of how their development process should be running.

3rd: Efficient and effective daily review meeting. Also not implemented, but we left a detailed paper of what should be done, said, actioned.

4th: Logistics. We streamlined the process and gave advise on organisational development.

One can see, there was a huge barrier to implement our suggestions which we developed with the staff there. So, we left at least all those documents for times when they got their quality issues sorted out.

5th: I learned to write reports and how to "cover up my arse" in front of clients. Those were said to be the basic talents a consultant must have.

Automotive Supplier (2)

This client produced pumps for motors. The project was about to sort out their efficiencies in production. To give out the result of the project in advance, it was a nightmare and we did not achieve the savings. The problem was, they were squeezed by the car manufacturers so much, that they wroked overtime like mad; their biggest problem was quality. They just could not produce the right quality for those pumps and henceforth did not manage the right quantities in time for their customers.

So, efficiency came second, in fact, efficiency did not come at all.

And the other problem was, the project was stipulated by the headoffice and the local plant manager did not care at all. And once staff knows that, they don't care either. The project manager on the project was brandnew in that role, and I was not overly good then either. All of those factors were not in our favour.

Then, the client told us, our project director, who visited once a week or so, smelled strongly of alcohol all the time. And he did. And since he bullied us, we did not know whether we can tell the headoffice in Paris.

From my today's point of view, we were just ovely stupid and made all the basic mistakes one can make. But then, afterwards one is always better.