Find out how AXSENS-BTE and Lean 6 Sigma helped SODIS establish a culture of continuous improvement.
An essential link between booksellers, distributors and publishers, SODIS, part of the Gallimard group, specializes in book distribution. Accompanied by AXSENS-BTE since 2017 in its continuous improvement approach, SODIS has succeeded in moving from the "firefighter mode", which characterized its operation until then, to real process control. We explain how.
In 2017, the findings of SODIS's new Logistics Operations Department are clear: improving customer satisfaction comes at the cost of a significant expenditure of energy and money; and this to the detriment of quality, working conditions and profitability.
Aware of the need for a rapid, operational response, SODIS chose AXSENS-BTE to help it set up a long-term problem-solving approach with two clear objectives: to reduce work-related hardship and to work efficiently, in order to regain profitability.
After a detailed field study, AXSENS-BTE trains SODIS department heads in Lean Six Sigma and the continuous improvement approach. " It is essential that as many employees as possible are trained and involved in the approach if we are to succeed in anchoring it in daily operational practices. This enabled us to launch a continuous improvement project in each department," explains Christophe Souillé, AXSENS consultant -BTE.
The first results are visible as early as 2018, but SODIS management wants to go even further, by reinforcing the DMAIC approach, particularly on the order preparation line.
Green indicators
All financial and quality indicators quickly turned green, and the continuous improvement approach is now deeply rooted in the SODIS corporate culture.
Each department head has thus integrated statistical tools into his or her daily management routine, to monitor and stabilize control indicators. Each department is thus autonomous in resolving the majority of problems encountered.
" We've gone from firefighter mode to mastering our processes and issues. We are now in a position to calmly anticipate the workload peaks inherent in our business, particularly at the end of the year ", analyses Jérôme Barbe, QHSE Manager, and responsible for all aspects of methodology and continuous improvement at SODIS.
He adds: "AXSENS-BTE has enabled us to anchor a culture of continuous improvement at every level of the company. The gains have been significant, both in terms of working conditions and savings. We particularly appreciated their approach: they showed us the way very concretely, but without ever forcing the issue. This clearly favored acceptance of these new working methods within the teams ".
