Teamwork throughout the value chain

“The BU Private Label held a virtual “end-toend” process workshop. We took a closer look at quark from the cream cheese dairy as an example. As a team from several departments, we looked together at all the steps involved in creating the product, from when we receive the milk through to bottling, sorting, warehousing and logistics. We looked into where there was potential to optimize this, and questioned everything from why there’s a lid on it, to why is the box a particular size. People from controlling, logistics, production, sales, marketing, planning, plant management, purchasing and R&D were all involved. It was the first time that the entire value chain had been considered from several different viewpoints. This also worked really well virtually, we realized! We couldn’t physically walk through the production process because of the pandemic but a colleague filmed everything in advance so we could watch it all through video streaming. Everyone was divided up into different virtual rooms to talk about it in parallel. There were lots of enlightening moments, when you realize that of course someone in logistics sees things differently compared to sales, say. We identified the cost drivers and looked where we could potentially create value, and for ways to avoid complexity. That workshop gave us a much clearer overview. Our work in and around the project hasn’t changed so much but our approach is different, and we understand each other better. By the end of the workshop we’d gathered a lot of input and insights for further work on the project. That was a real – virtual – team effort which enriched the project and us too!”

“As head of department I’m responsible for 131 employees. The end-to-end workshop, which took place online for the first time, worked really well, to my surprise. Everyone took part in an orderly manner and it was a lot of fun. I gained insights into other parts of the value chain which will help me understand decisions better in the future. It also enabled me to further expand my network so now I know who to get in touch with directly for any technical questions. We were communicating with Micosoft Teams so we had to be attentive and orderly, and listen to each other and let people finish what they were saying. Up until now, I think everyone in the value chain had their own goals in mind without knowing a lot about how they affected the process as a whole. Now, I’m trying to gain a better sense of the business overall. We also understand one another better, and it really broadened my mind.”

“Communication between different areas is really important if you’re implementing a project. But talking to everyone and with each individual is often highly stressful, whether it’s trying to find a time to meet, or people not being available or not answering. The advantage of coordinating as a team is that you know the people you are reaching out to and you don’t have to win them over. It’s easier to identify solutions if you have a better overall view of the problems different departments have. Teamwork is essential for a project to succeed, it motivates me and it makes work more enjoyable, even when times are tough.”

“It is really interesting to get a look at what’s going on beyond your own immediate area, and to gain insights about almost all the departments involved in the value chain. I also got to know new colleagues. I was really impressed at how well we were able to communicate using Microsoft Teams. At the start I wasn’t sure how it would be possible to have a workshop online involving so many people. But then I enjoyed it and found it really constructive.”