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
FrieslandCampina: Faster in control.
FrieslandCampina Beilen develops and produces total solutions for the infant nutrition market, ranging from loose ingredients and basic powders to complete infant nutrition, including consumer packaging.
In Ovo: Standards for a global rollout
In Ovo leads the field of in-ovo sexing technology with their revolutionary machine line, Ella. This advanced system can determine the sex of fertilized chicken eggs early in the incubation process, allowing for the removal of male eggs before they develop into chicks. This innovation eliminates the need for the controversial practice of destroying live male chicks, which remains common in today's poultry industry.
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.”
Burg Azijn safeguards the expertise of master brewers and standardizes natural vinegar production.
The refined production process of natural vinegar at Burg Azijn (part of the Burg Group) used to exist mainly in the minds of a small group of master brewers. With the help of ELICIT, they reduce their dependence on specialists and achieve consistently high quality through a standardized approach.
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.
Sharing knowledge is in our DNA
