Reginox: Gaining Greater Control Over Quality

Preparing for Workforce Developments

Reginox anticipates significant changes in its workforce and the labor market in the coming years, leading to higher staff turnover. Experienced employees are retiring, and finding new personnel is a challenge. This prompted Reginox to partner with ELICIT to implement knowledge management.

What Has ELICIT Solved?

ELICIT developed two knowledge models for Reginox. One for a deep-drawing press that Reginox has been using for over forty years. The second knowledge model was created for a new high-tech PVD installation, which adds color to the sinks Reginox produces. Notably, at Reginox’s request, Hauzer—a manufacturer of PVD and coating installations in Venlo—collaborated on developing the knowledge model before the machine was even delivered. As a result, Reginox had all the necessary knowledge in-house upon commissioning, allowing the organization to utilize the new installation optimally.

When developing the knowledge model for the deep-drawing press, ELICIT’s knowledge analyst began with two interviews with expert Henk, an operator with no less than forty years of experience. This was followed by several workshops involving fellow operators to verify and supplement the knowledge model. Together, employees discussed which knowledge needed to be captured for optimal process and product control. This process created consensus on the preferred approach to production issues. Harry Dannenberg, Operations Manager: “That was an additional benefit; it allowed us to collectively establish the desired working method within the knowledge model.”

The Reginox team found the collaboration with ELICIT to be very positive. “I was impressed by the questions the ELICIT knowledge analysts asked after a brief explanation of our process and systems,” says Dannenberg. “Their questions focused on the essence of process and quality control. This allowed them to reach the core very quickly.” QHSE Manager Wim Nijkamp agrees. “I watched with amazement at what they managed to uncover in just five interviews. Because they grasped the situation so quickly, our people also became enthusiastic.”

Production is now noticeably benefiting from ELICIT. Previously, young and especially new employees were always dependent on older colleagues when problems or questions arose. Now, they can solve issues independently. New operators quickly master the mapped installations and can work more autonomously. Important information that operators had already recorded on their own initiative is now shared and secured within the ELICIT software. Furthermore, existing work descriptions have been supplemented with experiential knowledge from within the organization.

The Results

With the help of ELICIT, Reginox can easily pass knowledge internally to current and future employees. The company is less dependent on individual experts within the organization. QHSE Manager Nijkamp: “It is a major advantage that we now have a uniform working method. Everyone follows the same process with the same end result.”

Reginox also has more control over quality thanks to ELICIT. Nijkamp: “We now monitor the dimensions of our products even more consistently during the production process. The model indicates when a quality check is required. We record the measurements via digital forms in ELICIT, and we can consult that data at any time. We can see where quality deviations occur and take targeted action. This allows us to tackle problems earlier and prevent rejections.”

• Machine Builders
• Metalworking
• Process and manufacturing industry
• Production
• Quality
• Faster training
• Imminent loss of knowledge due to turnover
• Insufficient employees with the right knowledge experience
• Rejects