magazine

The GEA Group has achieved a remarkable turnaround and is pushing ahead with its international positioning. This means stronger networking between all parties involved, a departure from traditional thinking and a clear focus on the customer. Executive Board member and COO Johannes Giloth explains in an interview which factors were decisive for the success and why consistent localization along the entire value chain is becoming increasingly important.

Facing industry-wide pressures in the automotive supply chain, thyssenkrupp’s Debrecen plant embarked on a lean transformation journey with Staufen, part of Accenture, that yielded remarkable results in just six months. By reimagining their Shop Floor Management and shifting from reactive to proactive maintenance, the facility achieved improvements across all key performance indicators. The implementation of structured communication systems, strategic layout redesign, and dedicated material handling roles has not only boosted productivity by 24% but has transformed workplace culture. With its maintenance practices now serving as a benchmark within the thyssenkrupp Springs and Stabilizers Business Unit, the Hungarian plant demonstrates how systematic operational excellence can revitalize performance even in facilities with previous unsuccessful improvement attempts.

Whether new processes, occupational safety, or the proper operation of machinery – training is indispensable in production. To ensure optimal learning without interrupting operations, Augmented Industries relies on artificial intelligence (AI). The training sessions are integrated directly into everyday work. For this innovation, the start-up was awarded the prestigious WECONOMY Prize. In the interview, Dr. Elisa Roth, co-founder and CEO of the company, explains the advantages of this new form of knowledge transfer.

TGW Logistics is a specialist for highly automated intralogistics systems worldwide. The company, headquartered in Austria, implements complex fulfillment centers, among other things, for global e-commerce giants. However, growth, project diversity, and international expansion posed challenges for the organization. A shop floor management system adapted to the requirements of the project business now ensures optimized internal processes.

The industry is facing enormous challenges. Digitalization and efficiency are more important than ever. In the interview, Wilhelm Goschy, CEO of Staufen AG, and Matthias Hégelé, Managing Director Supply Chain & Operations DACH at Accenture, explain why the merger of the two companies comes at exactly the right time, what specific added value the new alliance offers customers, and why operational excellence and digital transformation are inseparably linked.

Top athletes are powered by an inherent motivation to enhance and boost their performance. Nonetheless, despite striving for continuing performance improvement, even the very best athletes cannot compete for the coveted medal places without outside help. They are therefore offered performance centers, training camps, and support programs, for example, giving them the best possible conditions under which they can develop their potential.

Many organizations fall into the trap of hallucination even without ChatGPT and the like. That is because even though they have no clear understanding of much of the collected data, they use it as the basis for their strategic decisions.

For the third time in a row, the renowned business magazine Forbes named the Staufen one of the “World’s Best Management Consulting Firms”. The award confirms the outstanding expertise of the management consultancy, which trims both family-owned mid-sized companies and international corporations for sustainable performance. Especially in times of global crisis and uncertainties, Staufen’s global presence and focus on operational excellence make it a strong partner for quickly solving current problems and preparing companies for the challenges of the future.

By combining a profound Lean-based transformation with strong leadership commitment and international reach, Marcopolo is paving the way for sustainable, connected public mobility.