Shopping cart

Global Launch Strategy for a Heavy Industrial Product

Overview:

Our consulting team was engaged by a client who had developed a heavy industrial product, which weighs over 10 tons in its fully assembled state. The engineering team had meticulously designed 20 variants of this product, and they were at the prototyping stage for the first two variants. The client required a comprehensive global launch strategy that included detailed market analysis, manufacturing, and assembly plans to ensure cost-effectiveness and profitability.

Challenges:
1. Market Analysis and Forecasting: The client needed thorough market analysis across multiple regions to determine the optimal locations for launching the product. Accurate forecasting was crucial to understanding potential demand and market readiness.
2. Manufacturing and Assembly Logistics: Given the product’s size and complexity, the manufacturing of components and the final assembly required careful coordination across different regions to manage logistics efficiently and reduce costs.
3. Cost Management: Initial assessments revealed high production costs and minimal profit margins due to the complexity and geographical spread of the manufacturing and assembly processes. It was essential to identify strategies to lower these costs without compromising quality.
4. Supplier and Assembly Partner Identification: Finding reliable suppliers and assembly partners globally that could meet the client’s quality and cost requirements posed a significant challenge.

 

 

 

Proposed Solutionssignificant challenge.

Based on the audit, we proposed a multi-faceted approach to enhance production capacity:

1. Equipment Upgrades:
◦ Replacing and upgrading critical machinery to more reliable and efficient models.
◦ Implementing predictive maintenance schedules to minimize downtimes.
2. Workforce Optimization:
◦ Reallocating labor to ensure balanced work distribution.
◦ Implementing targeted training programs to improve worker efficiency and reduce error rates.
3. Supply Chain Improvements:
◦ Establishing stronger relationships with key suppliers.
◦ Introducing advanced inventory management systems to ensure timely material supply.
Implementation Phase
Our team worked closely with the client to implement the proposed solutions:
1. Production Line Modifications:
◦ Redesigning the production line layout for optimal workflow.
◦ Introducing automation in critical areas to speed up production processes.
2. Supplier Audits and Partnerships:
◦ Conducting audits of potential suppliers worldwide to assess their production capacities and reliability.
◦ Negotiating better terms and establishing strategic partnerships to secure a steady supply chain.
3. Continuous Monitoring and Adjustments:
◦ Implementing real-time monitoring systems to track production metrics and identify issues promptly.
◦ Regular reviews and adjustments to the production process based on data-driven insights.

Results Achieved

The implementation of our strategies resulted in significant improvements:

  1. Increased Production Capacity:
    • Initial production increased from 4,000 to 14,000 units per week.
    • Potential capacity planning to reach 20,000 units weekly based on ongoing assessments.
  2. Cost Reduction:
    • Reduced capital investment from €22 million to €14 million through efficient management and strategic audits.
    • Lower operational costs due to improved efficiency and reduced downtimes.
  3. Enhanced Supplier Performance:
    • Improved reliability and quality of raw materials.
    • Reduced lead times and inventory costs through better supplier management.

Conclusion

Through our comprehensive audit, targeted solutions, and collaborative implementation, we successfully transformed the client’s production capacity, achieving and surpassing the initial targets. The project not only met immediate production needs but also positioned the client for sustainable growth and future scalability. Our approach demonstrates the critical role of thorough analysis and strategic intervention in overcoming production challenges and driving business success.