Project Description
Highlights include
The Problem
An eCommerce company specializing in kitting and packaging was facing significant operational challenges that hindered their growth and productivity:
- Employee Challenges: Poor performance, high turnover, and a difficult labor market were eroding workplace culture.
- Lack of Teamwork and Accountability: There was a noticeable lack of teamwork and accountability among employees, which led to resistance to working overtime to meet volume demands.
- Operational Struggles: The site was dealing with quality issues, a lack of cross-training programs, and rising costs, all of which impacted their ability to meet customer demands efficiently.
Our Plan
To address these challenges, iJility implemented a two-phase approach aimed at stabilizing the workforce and enhancing operations:
Phase 1: Workforce Stabilization
- Engagement Team Integration: An iJility Engagement team was integrated on-site to develop and enforce a “Culture of Success.”
- Workforce Expectations: Clear communication and implementation of workforce expectations were established to foster a culture of flexibility, cross-training, and labor sharing.
- Performance Monitoring: Regular monitoring of performance and feedback was provided to employees to ensure accountability and improve productivity.
Phase 2: Operational Enhancements
- Resource Addition: A Regional Manager was added to enhance oversight and support operational improvements.
- Process Integrity Programs (PIP): Implemented PIP to standardize quality and training programs, and conducted process integrity audits to maintain high standards.
- Workflow Enhancements: Improved workflow processes to reduce kitting change times and enhance overall efficiency.
- Tracking and Feedback: Implemented production and quality tracking, along with a comprehensive feedback process, to drive continuous improvement.
- Root Cause Analysis: Established a root cause analysis process to identify and address operational issues.
- Communication and Reporting: Improved departmental communication and provided daily performance reports to the client, along with a skills matrix for each employee and job function.
Our Execution
iJility’s strategic approach was executed with precision to tackle the core issues:
- Phase 1: Focused on stabilizing the workforce by embedding the engagement team, fostering a culture of accountability, and promoting flexibility through cross-training and labor sharing.
- Phase 2: Implemented operational enhancements with a focus on process integrity, standardizing quality and training programs, improving workflows, and enhancing communication and reporting structures.
The Results
iJility’s intervention led to significant improvements in the client’s operations:
- Increased Output and Accuracy: Achieved a 38% increase in output and a 9.9% improvement in order accuracy, meeting and exceeding client expectations.
- Volume and Cost Efficiency: Successfully increased volume orders by 30% and reduced overall fulfillment cost per unit by 22%.
- Enhanced Culture and Accountability: Established a strong culture of success, improving employee accountability and reducing turnover.
- Operational Excellence: Enhanced workflows, standardized processes, and continuous monitoring and feedback resulted in sustained operational excellence.
Let Us Help
Facing similar challenges in your operations? iJility specializes in developing customized workforce solutions that enhance productivity, improve quality, and reduce costs. Let’s work together to transform your workforce and achieve your operational goals.