Supply Chain Operations is one of the most competitive categories in the Supply Chain Excellence Awards and consequently, the scores were high. The top two contenders were BT Supply Chain and Bentley with CEVA Logistics.
The entry from BT Supply Chain focused on the company’s in-life product management programme, aimed at changing the way 24,000 field engineers across the UK handle faulty equipment. The problem was that engineers were failing to send back faulty equipment due to a complex returns process.
However, by offering a ‘one stop shop’ approach the business has been able to improve service and sustainability, reduce costs and improve controls and accountability. It all came down to a three-step plan: utilise the warranty terms, use repair agents if not in warranty, and recycle ethically if unrepairable. The judges understood the huge challenges the business faced in changing the behaviours of a very large field force of engineers and the importance of involving senior stakeholders across various business units, as well as procurement, legal and finance.
The results achieved have been significant with total cost avoidance over the past six months of over £800,000 with a month on month increase on average of over £60,000 – a figure that is rapidly growing, as more items are on-boarded.
However, the winning entry came from Bentley with CEVA Logistics. This was a comprehensive, four-stage programme centred on the automotive manufacturer’s factory in Crewe UK, starting in July 2017 with the transition of Bentley’s logistics operations to its new logistics service provider, CEVA Logistics, and covering the 3Pls’ warehouse facilities in Winsford.
The judges were impressed with the scale of the programme and the detail of the planning /timing involved. Projects aimed to: improve quality of supply to the production line by upgrading the tracking of parts; achieve Top Green Level in the VW Global Automotive Audit; and reduce defects per vehicle caused by the logistics function at point of fit on the line.
The judges liked the methodology used to achieve results – project teams were required to implement full value stream mapping and work instruction creation for all processes, a comprehensive 5S system with 5S champions working towards monthly audits and a robust continuous improvement programme. The results were impressive, with a 50% reduction in point-of-fit and downtime errors for parts delivered; 82 quick fixes, 20 Kaizens and four improvement projects were delivered during 2018; and Top Green Level was achieved in the audit.
This was a success story that deserved the trophy. A worthy result for the automotive manufacturer as it celebrates its 100th anniversary.
Nick James, business improvement manager, CEVA Logistics, said: “Absolutely fantastic, really chuffed to win. The key thing is about team-work. We work collaboratively on four projects in the course of one year and have achieved really good results.”
Winner: Bentley with CEVA Logistics
Shortlisted: Aurora Fashions with CEVA Logistics; BT Supply Chain; Jaguar Land Rover with Metro Shipping; M&S with Wincanton and Workhuman.
The 24th Supply Chain Excellence Awards will take place on 12 November 2020. The awards are a celebration of all things supply chain and all entrants are put through their paces – including presenting to a panel of their peers – to ensure only the best win the coveted award.
For more information, including how to enter and sponsorship opportunities, and to register your interest go to: Supplychainexcellenceawards.com
