Process Excellence

… create a solid base
PROCESS EXCELLENCE enables process standardization along group wide agreed business models. Standardized processes combined with high quality master data are the preconditions for automation and group wide resource bundling with the intention to significantly lower our structural cost base. It is also a prerequisite for creating innovative smart functions to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of our customers’ lifting solutions.
PROCESS EXCELLENCE accelerates the necessary cultural and organizational change to shift PALFINGER from a medium sized business with focus on providing lifting equipment, to a multinational player that offers complete lifting solutions aiming to fulfill our customer’s needs. It is the biggest transformation project in the history of PALFINGER.

… prepare PALFINGER for the future

PROCESS EXCELLENCE has 3 main goals.

1. Define the TEMPLATE
   Processes are designed on an end to end basis. They might vary per group wide agreed business model but are by default standardized. The processes are supported by common tools like SAP S/4 HANA, Creo, PDM Link and others. We call the combination of process description, tool implementation and documentation the “TEMPLATE”. 
2. Execute the ROLL-OUT
   We are the owners of the ROLL-OUT plan that shows how our template will be implemented in the PALFINGER organization. Together with the respective local management we are responsible for preparing all entities to assure a smooth and proper transformation from their current process landscape to the one described within the TEMPLATE.
3. Implement the PROCESS ORGANIZATION
   The PROCESS ORGANIZATION led by group-wide responsible Process Owners assures the continuous improvement of the template. This guarantees the process implementation not only in the system but also in real live across the whole company. We will support the setup of the PROCESS ORGANIZATION and will work with them to design the processes for our TEMPLATE.

Our mission is accomplished once the PROCESS ORGANIZATION has become a stable and reliable part of PALFINGER. This means that the initial ROLL-OUT is done and the ownership of the TEMPLATE is transferred to the regular organization.

Our PROCESS EXCELLENCE team is challenged by numerous topics every day. In order to handle all of them, to prioritize if necessary and to make quick but well considered decisions, the right culture and organizational setup is essential. One major part of this culture is the agile approach, not only as a project management method. It also results in a mobile and flexible setup that makes it possible to work together as a team in innovative ways.
Another part of this culture that differs to ordinary jobs is the type and scope of the work itself. The roles and functions a team member holds can change over time, depending on the development and the overall progress of the project. On the one hand this makes it possible to react fast when new topics arise. On the other hand it allows the ideal use of skills, the broadening of professional experience ins various fields as individuals and consequently increase the collective intelligence for the project. There is no sense in strictly following job descriptions; taking responsibility and tasks when necessary is a part of PROCESS EXCELLENCE.
Our culture enables us to use our whole potential. As individuals, as a project team, and as the PALFINGER group. We stand out of the crowd. And we stand out for the right reasons.

Martin Zehnder

Since Martin has started as the Chief Operating Officer he always had a keen interest to optimize production networks and improve efficiency and effectiveness of processes at PALFINGER. His impact on the whole PALFINGER group will set the right path for the future global production and manufacturing sites. He acts as the project sponsor and has supported PROCESS EXCELLENCE since the beginning. Martin is responsible for strategic and overall decisions in the project.

Gerald Reger

Gerald brings the ideal skills and know-how from his position as the Head of corporate ICT & process management into PROCESS EXCELLENCE. His experience with SAP software roll-outs and the ICT environment of the PALFINGER group makes it possible to define the right roll-out and implementation strategy. He is leading PROCESS EXCELLENCE together with Uwe and is responsible for the implementation projects, the roll-out and support.

Uwe Leopold
His long experience at PALFINGER gives Uwe a sharp understanding of the organization, its processes as well as the internal interfaces between departments. Through Uwes former function as Head of Finance & Risk Management he keeps an eye on achieving the project goals and the overall progress of PROCESS EXCELLENCE. Uwe is leading PROCESS EXCELLENCE together with Gerald and is in charge of the process organization and the template.