Objectives of the project
In a fast-changing, innovative Automotive market, Continental decided to standardize all business processes in its production and supply chain network. The new way of working is characterized by operational excellence throughout all major business processes. Moreover, globally optimized and standardized business processes are seen as a key success factor towards the principle of presenting one face to the customer. Continental considers the entire program as a prerequisite for entering the era of digitalization for its production network.
What BearingPoint did
During the rollout preparation phase, BearingPoint supported the Continental supply shain management team to define the project execution, including the governance model and the training concept for this global transformation program. In the execution phase of the project, the standardized business processes were rolled out across Continental locations in Europe, the Americas and Asia. BearingPoint’s role was to support the business side of Continental throughout the entire rollout period; it supported both the central team, with respect to the overall process governance, as well as the local teams in the client locations in terms of aligning the template with the local requirements and applying the new processes and system.
Measurable & concrete results
Several business benefits have been achieved to meet Continental’s main objective to enable its employees to work seamlessly across three regions (the Americas, Asia and Europe), using a common business template. The globally harmonized processes allow Continental to leverage process synergies within its production network globally. This also sets the foundation for future initiatives at Continental, having a standard way of working in place and applying the same IT applications for all plants globally. The harmonized processes also enable Continental employees to apply new ideas quickly within the whole organization, making it more agile and flexible in order to master new challenges and digital innovations. The new and standardized processes are now streamlined according to leading practices, with a major focus on operational excellence. This leads to the achievement of significant organizational efficiencies for the entire production network.
Client
Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent, and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2018, Continental generated sales of €44.4 billion and currently employs around 245,000 people in 60 countries and markets. Continental started the SPIRIT (Strategic Process Integration Rolled out with an International Template) project in 2014. The project is a very important enabler for future growth and strategy execution.
