Client Success
Stories
We Do,
Stories Speak
Client success stories provide insights into how Kepner-Tregoe consulting and training services resulted in measurable improvements in targeted KPIs.
Client success stories are organized by industry, but many are relevant across industries because they illustrate dramatic results based on the application of analytic thinking to the problems, plans and decisions made by individuals and teams in our increasingly digitized and changing business environment.
Uniroyal® gains an edge over its competition
Challenge
Well versed in the KT Problem Solving & Decision Making (PSDM) process for identifying, specifying, and resolving issues, the company’s Continuous Improvement team identified areas for improvement using KT’s Situation Appraisal. The team ranked the five highest impact issues by evaluating priority in terms of seriousness, urgency, and growth, and used KT Decision Analysis to select the highest priority issue.
Result
The team considered possible solutions following the KT Decision Analysis method. So what solution best met the preset criteria? Placing the bags into a box. Specifically, employees placed the bags into a reusable box to provide support and protection during the cooling and settling period. The box was removed from the skid prior to shipment. Through feasibility trials, the team demonstrated that this solution resolved the issue at hand.
Rapid Problem Solving Process Secures Key Customer Relationship
Challenge
A valued, long-term customer who is a leading manufacturer of healthcare equipment reported that test samples had failed a critical chemical resistance test. The customer uses external job shops to paint equipment parts and was puzzled when the exact same batch of paint passed the testing on parts painted by some job shops, while failing when painted at others. Paint retained at the Sherwin-Williams laboratory was tested for chemical resistance and passed. The problem remained unresolved for over a year.
Result
Sherwin-Williams asked a cross-functional team from its sales and technical departments to use the Kepner-Tregoe Problem Solving and Decision Making process to troubleshoot the problem. Sherwin-Williams reformulated the paint to work at lower temperatures and now includes quality control testing at lower cure temperatures. The solution has been 100% effective. The customer was impressed and reassured by the solution and by the speed and effectiveness of the problem-solving process.
How Improved Problem Solving Supports Quality in Complex Manufacturing
Challenge
COMAU, part of the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) Group, designs systems and solutions in the industrial automation field for its customers worldwide. During 2016 and early 2017, COMAU was preparing a body-side framer to fulfill a customer order. During prototype testing, it was discovered that a small, but significant part, the Y-axle closure, would not open completely. Since the body-side framer must move into the assembly process with extreme precision in the X, Y and Z axes, the failure of the Y-axle affected the entire operational effectiveness.
Result
By working closely with the supplier of the Y-axle and applying the KT methodology specifically, distinction logic, and building a KT problem specification using is, is–not pairs then, applying KT distinctions and changes, the root cause was identified and a solution was implemented. Following the adjustments to the body-side framer, the MTBF increased 10 times without stopping during the subsequent 5 months prototype testing. In addition, the supplier of the Y-axle re-designed and started to produce a new version of its previous standard Y-axle part.
Yanfeng Automotive Interiors Delivers 3000% Return On Investment
Challenge
A competitive business environment challenges Yanfeng Automotive Interiors to deliver superior products for the world’s leading automakers. Automotive interiors components and systems must be manufactured to exacting standards to ensure safety and durability. When the expectations for quality are this high, there is no time for production issues. Yanfeng Automotive Interiors’ ultimate goal is for all 33,000 of its employees at 114 global locations in 20 countries to complete training in KT’s PSDM program.
Result
Claiming a ROI of 3,000% from the KT PSDM program may seem an exaggeration, but the program and the numbers are straightforward. As of October 2017, 85 of the 130+ Yanfeng personnel who had completed the PSDM course during the year had submitted their projects and had been certified. It is expected that 90% of the total to be certified by the end of the year. Over 130 tracked-and closed projects had generated a per-project average of $10,000 and some had a return of as much as $50,000.
Automotive Manufacturers and Suppliers
Challenge
Learn how critical thinking skill development is used globally for swiftly resolving complex issues across the automotive industry. Case studies from ADAC Plastics, Corning Environmental Technologies, Honda Motor Company and Honda Motorcycles, each show successful outcomes using Kepner-Tregoe methodologies for different challenges experienced in the automotive industry, plus proactively managed critical issues.
Result
KT continues to strengthen management capability, speed problem solving, and improve efficiency in achieving objectives. At one plant, introduction of KT processes to achieve and sustain quality standards for “fit and finish” issues improved manufacturing efficiency and reduced defects. Effective solutions have Increased market share and set new records for customer satisfaction and safety.
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KT's unique critical thinking methods are designed to
support you in situations of maximum stress. When it
really matters that you find the best solution, the KT
toolkit is proven to deliver.
Process Plus Experience
KT consultants have a wealth of experience in
supporting clients use of the KT methods in a wide
variety of industries and situations. We can help you
get the maximum value from deploying the KT
toolkit.
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