"A brave organization challenges itself to get better"
How do we achieve and maintain best practices in our operations? With over 25 years of experience and a strong, driven organization, we continuously strive to develop and refine our processes – all to ensure that we maintain the highest quality standards.
Since the end of summer 2024, Anders Karnstedt and Lova Sedigh have been leading the work to map out and implement operational best practices.
– Our mission is not to invent something new but rather to ensure that all the innovative solutions developed locally benefit multiple units, says Anders. Sometimes we can apply them directly, and other times we may need to refine or add a touch of local adaptation before implementation. We have many fantastic solutions, but they don’t always make it from one unit to another.
Anders explains that some solutions are unique to specific customers, while many principles and tools can be applied more broadly.
– What common best practices can we identify, and what are customer-specific solutions? The customer's needs are, of course, always the primary focus. At the same time, we have identified several solutions that could advantageously be applied throughout the organization. Andon is a prime example of a simple solution we've implemented at some units with great results. We see an opportunity to scale that solution to more units. Daily learning from deviations through so-called 'One Point Lessons' is another area where we can learn from those who have already made significant progress.
Instead of reinventing the wheel, the goal is to identify successful practices and apply at more units. This creates more time to focus on customers and the development of customized solutions.
The business must evolve in line with market needs
Anders emphasizes that a brave organization dares to challenge itself to get better.
– We must continuously take new steps. If you don't constantly challenge yourself to improve and refine processes, the business won't evolve in line with the needs of the market. That's why it's crucial that this work is done continuously.
The work is very hands-on, and Anders stresses the importance of it not staying as a theoretical exercise.
– By involving employees from all our regions in refining solutions and planning implementation, we ensure well-grounded solutions that leave the conference room and come to life in production, where they belong. We’re seeing rapid progress, which is, of course, very exciting, Anders concludes.