Cross-over

I often tell clients in manufacturing industries that one of my favourite things to do is to tour factories. Yup, I'm a great big 2 year old. I'm always amazed at machinery, supply chains, and different work flows.

Many times I find myself talking to a group of managers in a given factory, and ask them the last time they, or a team of their employees, toured another facitlity. Every time (except one - only one!!!) I'm faced with blank stares. I let them know, over and over, that I can arrange tours with other non-competing facilities so each facility can learn some 'tricks' from the other. Guess how many times I've been taken up on the offer... My loss? Hardly!

I guess I felt I needed to post about this when I came across the cover article for Business Week's International Edition. The company profiled? Samsung. Samsung has transformed itself from a me-too manufacturer of consumer electronics to a true global leader. Their secret? Learning from other industries. Every year designers are sent around the world to work side by side with masters of fashion, furniture design, and many other industries. Is it working? Well, on a recent trip to Mexico, the television in the lobby of the airport - Samsung. In the Netherlands the television in the hotel - Samsung. #5 (and highest ranking consumer electronic company) on Brand Keys' Customer Loyalty Leader Annual Ranking - you guessed it.. Samsung.

My point? Get out of your building. There is a big wide world out there. Visit, tour, and learn.

Want to set up a tour for your organization? Send an email to yes@thebeacongroup.ca