Increasing quality with pleasure
Safely recording data and converting it into higher quality
“Deeply understanding the wishes of our customers and ensuring they are pleasantly surprised by our craftsmanship” is the motto of Ebbers Kozijnen (Ebbers Window Frames). Ebbers Kozijnen and Masters In Lean have had a pleasant collaboration since 2014. At that time, Masters In Lean helped them take their first steps toward Lean leadership in the joinery factory. Recently, they started a new plastics factory. Over the past year, they returned to Masters In Lean with the wish to also optimise the processes in the new plastics factory regarding quality registration and continuous improvement. The company has grown significantly in recent years, so it was time for the next step in Lean development. Naturally, Masters In Lean, together with Masters In Proces, was ready to support them.
In addition, Ebbers requested support in achieving KOMO quality registration for their window frames (a collective certification mark used in the Dutch construction industry). It became especially important to digitise the reporting for this certification in order to work more efficiently and safely.
About Ebbers Kozijnen
Ebbers Kozijnen (Ebbers Window Frames) is a manufacturer of wooden and plastic window frames and façade elements. At Ebbers, you can rely on almost 190 years of experience and the expertise of skilled employees. This results in – produced in a Lean way – exterior window frames, interior window frames, and lift-and-slide doors of lasting top quality.
Challenge
Ebbers Kozijnen had outgrown its existing structure. The number of employees increased and projects became larger. At such a stage, it is crucial to properly record all data to ensure everything runs safely and smoothly. There was still room for improvement in this area. To maintain the required KOMO certification and support strong growth, a solution had to be found. Data needed to be recorded with as little effort as possible. In addition, it became important to motivate and coach employees to actually maintain this way of working. Making mistakes is allowed, learn from them and come up with a good solution. Time to get to work!
Solution
To address this challenge, the expertise of Masters In Process was used. Digitalisation became a key factor in ensuring that data reporting could be carried out as quickly and effectively as possible. Flexible forms were introduced, which were then converted into clear reports for KOMO certification. Through engaging and educational training sessions, employees learned how to work with this new way of registering data, and their mindset also changed. Where many employees might previously have tried to hide mistakes, they now record them and work on finding a solution. Obstacles are now identified, registered, and addressed systematically.
Results
The recording of analysed data and possible obstacles within Ebbers’ plastics factory is now carried out by every employee with care and attention. Thanks to the digitalisation of the process, Ebbers can now provide a high level of quality assurance with minimal effort. Internally, problem-solving capacity has increased without having to work harder. By improving digital registration, more time is now available for safety inspections and project execution. The registration process no longer comes at the expense of this, and that is the best result. Ebbers employees have realised that making mistakes is allowed and that solving them is actually part of craftsmanship. This is just as much a part of the profession as the execution of the work itself. Prevention is better than correction.
Masters In Lean is still involved in Ebbers’ Lean process and remains available for guidance, support, and advice. Data registration is now easy, safe, and effective. A recent certification audit showed that where employees previously needed a week to gather all data, it can now be done with the push of a button. A great result indeed!
We provide tailor-made solutions focused on results, at all levels of the organization. I would be happy to have a no-obligation conversation with you!
te Plate Managing Partner