Reginox designs, develops, and manufactures sinks and worktops for kitchen, project, and healthcare markets, both nationally and internationally.
The challenge
Anticipating significant workforce changes and increasing labor market challenges, Reginox faced two key issues:
- Experienced employees approaching retirement
- Difficulties in recruiting new personnel
These challenges led Reginox to partner with ELICIT Online for knowledge management solutions.
The ELICIT Online solution
ELICIT Online developed two distinct knowledge files for Reginox:
- For a deep drawing press with over forty years of service
- For a new high-tech PVD installation used to add color to sink products
A notable aspect of the project was the collaboration with Hauzer, the PVD and coating installation manufacturer in Venlo. At Reginox’s request, Hauzer participated in creating the knowledge file before delivering the machine. This proactive approach ensured Reginox had comprehensive knowledge available immediately upon installation, enabling optimal use of the new equipment from day one.
Implementation process
For the deep-draw press knowledge file, ELICIT Online’s approach was methodical:
First, their knowledge analyst conducted two in-depth interviews with Henk, an operator with forty years of experience. This was followed by workshops involving other team members to verify and enhance the knowledge file.
During these sessions, employees collectively determined what knowledge was crucial for optimal process and product control. This collaborative approach led to consensus on handling production issues. As Operations Manager Harry Dannenberg notes: “This was an additional benefit – we jointly documented the preferred working methods in the knowledge file.”
Positive experience
The Reginox team was impressed with ELICIT Online’s approach. “After just a brief introduction to our processes and systems, the knowledge analysts asked remarkably insightful questions,” says Dannenberg. “Their focus on process and quality control essentials helped them quickly reach the core issues.”
KAM Manager Wim Nijkamp shares this sentiment: “It was amazing to see how much information they uncovered in just five interviews. Their quick grasp of operations helped engage our people in the process.”
Immediate benefits
The production department is now experiencing tangible advantages:
- Young and new employees can work more independently, no longer relying heavily on experienced colleagues
- New operators master the documented systems more quickly
- Operator-initiated information is now properly shared and secured in ELICIT Online’s software
- Existing work procedures have been enhanced with organizational experience
Long-term impact
The implementation has delivered several key improvements:
Knowledge transfer has become significantly easier for both current and future employees. The company’s dependence on individual experts has decreased substantially. As KAM Manager Nijkamp explains: “Having a standardized working method is a major advantage. Everyone now follows the same path to achieve consistent results.”
Quality control has also improved. “We now perform product measurements more consistently during production,” notes Nijkamp. “The knowledge file clearly indicates when quality checks are needed. We record measurements using ELICIT Online’s digital forms, making the data readily accessible. This helps us identify quality deviations quickly and take targeted action, addressing issues earlier and preventing rejections.”
Relevant cases
Lemoine: Operators in control
Lemoine Holland is part of the Lemoine group and specializes in hygiene products. A common challenge faced by Lemoine Holland in Emst: How do I get my operators to the level where they know what, how and when to adjust?
Van Merksteijn: Less downtime
Van Merksteijn Fencing Systems ran into a number of problems in production. Breaking in new employees took a lot of time. Also, the training program for new employees was not available digitally. Another major pain point for Van Merksteijn was the lack of a uniform working method. In addition, employees have a lot of experience knowledge, but it was not recorded anywhere. That knowledge was in danger of being lost when they retired. Finally, operators were dependent on other, more experienced colleagues for breakdowns and other problems. That cost time, and therefore money.
Casting legend Olle Lofgren heads for the snow, but his knowledge stays in Zutphen
There is hardly anyone in the world with more casting knowledge than Olle Lofgren. But after more than 50 years in the metal industry, working in factories all over the world, the Swedish casting specialist is retiring from KME. With the help of ELICIT, he is now leaving his knowledge behind for future generations. Olle: “It felt like someone opened my memory of the past decades.”
JDE Joure: Less questions and disruptions, higher efficiency
JDE Joure is part of JDE Peet's, producer of a.o. Douwe Egberts coffee, L'Or and PickWick tea. Within the coffee factory of JDE in Joure is located the Liquid packaging department. Here, a liquid coffee solution for the hospitality industry is packaged. When a malfunction or problem occurs in the the packaging department, operators were not always able to solve it independently. A few very experienced operators have the necessary knowledge, as do the team leaders and the production manager. As a result, they were regularly overcharged when problems arose. Another wish of JDE was to increase the efficiency of this packaging line. JDE also wanted to increase the efficiency of this packaging line.
When the master leaves: how CONO preserves half a century of cheese-making expertise
The retirement of team leader Pieter (50.5 years of experience) confronted cheese producer CONO with a major challenge: how do we ensure that the knowledge of such experienced people is retained? Arthur van Esveld, Production Manager, and Mike Koster, the new Team Leader Cheese Production, explain: “With ELICIT, every operator has autonomy.”
Sharing knowledge is in our DNA
