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early adopters
Building an Efficiency Culture with VisionLink® Productivity
Schwinger Granit
Over the past decade, Schwinger Granit, a quarry operation near Nittenau, Germany, has taken a remarkable journey. By analyzing fleet and site performance data, the company has seen a significant increase in efficiency and productivity. Using this data to guide decision making has improved engagement and created an efficiency culture at Schwinger. And that has brought tangible results to the bottom line.
Dr. Kristian Daub is managing director of Schwinger Granit quarry near Nittenau, Germany.
Estimated Read Time: 3 minutes
Over the past decade, Schwinger Granit, a quarry operation near Nittenau, Germany, has taken a remarkable journey. By analyzing fleet and site performance data, the company has seen a significant increase in efficiency and productivity. Using this data to guide decision making has improved engagement and created an efficiency culture at Schwinger. And that has brought tangible results to the bottom line.
“In the past, we looked at production through a different lens than we do today. It was all about the equipment — its size and capacity. But after a while you understand that if you are only changing the machines and not the efficiency of your process, then you will not get the results you expected.” ”
Prioritizing Site Efficiency
Dr. Kristian Daub, managing director, recalls the first lessons he learned about the importance of jobsite efficiency.
“In the past, we looked at production through a different lens than we do today. It was all about the equipment — its size and capacity. Want to load more? Get a bigger loader. Need more throughput? Add a crusher. But after a while you understand that if you are only changing the machines and not the efficiency of your process, then you will not get the results you expected.”
In 2010, Dr. Daub began studying fleet performance data through VisionLink®. The first data set that made an impact on operations: idle time. “Once we had something that we could measure — where we could actually study and analyze the data — then we could start figuring out what actions we would take.”
Data proved to be useful in reducing idle time and fuel burn, improving loading and cycle times, and consistently meeting production targets. Applying fleet performance data across the operation made site efficiency a priority and connected the organization.
“Now is the time for the optimum use of everything. Focus on efficiency. Best output, lowest input.” That’s the strategy Dr. Daub tries to drive through the entire organization.
“Now is the time for the optimum use of everything. Focus on efficiency. Best output, lowest input.”
Remarkable Results Through Data Insights
It was this thinking that led Dr. Daub to begin working with VisionLink Productivity when it became available. With the ability to view up-to-date visualizations on the status of the operation, he is able make comparisons, create improvement plans and share progress across internal teams.
“So, I can pull up our Cat 972 loader and look at the cycle time or loading time for the day. When it’s good, I grab a snapshot of the data and post it to our internal system so the operator can see how well he did. I like to acknowledge the performance and recognize it as good work. Not only does it encourage that operator, but others are motivated to see their names posted for the good work they do.”
Dr. Daub says having data insights that can be shared with operators and other employees educates everyone on the value of efficiency. It also builds engagement. And greater engagement boosts site performance. Working with the insights provided by VisionLink Productivity, Schwinger Quarry has achieved some remarkable results.
Through the increased use of VisionLink Productivity data, Schwinger has reduced fuel consumption and saved 150 tons of carbon dioxide which is 15% of the operation's total CO2. The operation has also seen a reduction from two shifts per day to one, giving employees more time for improved work-life balance.
Building an Efficiency Culture
Dr. Daub has created a series of customized reports that allow him to check in on operations anywhere he has an internet connection. VisionLink Productivity and data-driven decisions are the foundation of the efficiency culture at Schwinger.
“I would say that VisionLink Productivity is a sort of wake-up call. Companies can use data and measurement; they can work together to guide decisions, make improvements and get good results to build their business.”
For more information about VisionLink and VisionLink Productivity, talk to your Cat dealer or visit VisionLink Productivity.
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