1. Case Study
Improvement of operational
processes in a company belonging
to the jewellery sector
FeedBackGround’s most powerful and important
experiences in the jewellery sector have been acquired in
the field of operations. It is common for companies with
many references to have a certain degree of
craftsmanship in their work processes, as well as using raw
material of great value, which occasion stoppages and
bottlenecks that lead to inefficiency and financial
problems. Below we describe a specifically successful case.
Executive Summary Strategy/Approach
Our client had an almost full order book that it was Feedbackground’s contribution to this project was as
unable to address thoroughly and productively follows:
Define the bottlenecks and consider solutions for
Constant occurrence of stock outs increasing capacity
Despite the high number of orders to be fulfilled, Achieve a more balanced production planning
there was considerable financial stress and set priorities
The quality of the items was high, although was not Measures to reduce the incidences of quality
constant throughout all the process. In many cases,
Reduction in the size of batches, stocks and cycle
it depended on people
times
Although the computer system was powerful, it was Undertake action at points causing drops in profit
not being used to its full potential margins
There was obviously a lack of discipline and rigor in Points of overall improvement
the execution of improvements
Develop a computer program to control production
in real time
Opportunity Results
It was clear that the time was just right for overhauling Full time project lasting 6 months with the
the whole production process, and our client was fully participation of a senior and a junior consultant
aware of the fact
Production was increased by 18 % in just a few
Attractive quick wins were envisaged simply by weeks
applying certain lean and TOC techniques
Bottlenecks were controlled with only minimum
The need to set up a program for the transfer of investment by the client
knowledge from seniors to juniors was also clear, in
The financial situation improved after only 3 months
order to ensure the continuation of complicated tasks
thanks to the rationalization of stocks
It was necessary to optimize the whole process to
Initiation of the cultural change for the sustainability
ensure the economic and financial viability of the
of new processes
company
The customer accepted a fixed estimate plus a
Clear possibilities existed for leadership in certain
variable. Everyone has benefitted!
markets
Contact name: Màrius Mollà
Position: Partner and Director of Projects
marius.molla@feedbackground.com Customer Experience – July 2012
Telephone: +34 619762870 www.feedbackground.com
