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At Simonelli Group we reward ideas, those suggestions that contribute to the continuous improvement of the company, its processes and products. And who better than the people, who assemble, cables, hoses, boilers, and coffee machine brewing units every day, to identify improvements to products and processes?
“Since 1992, the ‘idea box’ has been installed in the production department, allowing all workers to suggest improvements from the point of view of product, process, safety and more,” explains Mauro Parrini, COO Simonelli Group. “For the past fifteen years, this initiative has been integrated within the application of Lean management principles regarding customer orientation, waste reduction, and motivating and involving everyone.”
Ideas 2021
When you enter the Simonelli Group manufacturing plant, the idea box is prominently displayed at the entrance, near the bulletin board with the names of workers who, over the years, have distinguished themselves by suggesting product and process improvements. Gianluca Muscella, quality manager, consults the box every Friday. “In 2021 I collected 225 ideas from my colleagues, of which 16 percent were incorporated into product and process improvement plans,” Gianluca says. “These are not solutions that disrupt operations, but rather small optimizations that simplify and/or streamline processes, increase safety, reduce waste or even improve product performance.”
Alessandro Gentili, the winner of the 2021 idea
Winning the 2021 first prize, which consists of a stay in a European capital, is Alessandro Gentili. Always smiling, mild-mannered, and passionate about electronics, Alessandro has worked at Simonelli Group for 7 years and has contributed several times in his career with his ideas to improve the production process. “They told me I was a repeat offender,” Alexander jokes, “I won first prize this year and in 2019, and in 2020 I came second. The young electronics expert works in the testing area of Line 1 and suggested a modification to the power supply unit of a product line to ensure better durability of the unit. “I am passionate aboutelectronics, and working in electrical testing allows me to always keep this interest alive, which I also cultivate outside of work,” says Alexander. “To see my suggestions recognized and rewarded for me is a great stimulus. “
Also on the podium of “The Quality Walk,” the name of the award dedicated to employee ideas, were Thomas Montecchi and Marco Salvucci, who respectively proposed solutions to reduce waste and speed up product transfer times from production to the shipping department.
