About the company
Maschinenfabrik Bernard Krone GmbH & Co. KG, founded in 1906 in Spelle, Lower Saxony, is a leading manufacturer of agricultural machinery with a focus on forage harvesting technology. The family-owned company offers a wide range of products, including disc mowers, rotary tedders, round balers and forage harvesters. With over 2,000 employees and an annual turnover of more than one billion euros, Krone operates internationally and serves markets in Europe, North America and beyond. The company’s innovative strength is reflected in self-propelled machines such as the BiG M mower conditioner and the BiG X forage harvester. Krone places particular emphasis on quality, efficiency and customer proximity, which is reflected in numerous awards and a strong market position.
The task
Big Pictury was commissioned to develop a visualization that makes the transformation of Krone’s production philosophy understandable and tangible. The aim was to vividly illustrate the change from a classic batch size manufacturer to a flexible contract manufacturer. The illustration should not only clarify the individual process steps and changes in the production process, but also convey the underlying principles of the new production strategy. This gives employees and partners a clear picture of how production processes can be optimized and made more efficient.
The implementation
In order to present the transformation of Krone’s production philosophy clearly and comprehensibly, the entire value creation process was illustrated in detail. The visualization highlights the most important changes and shows how the transition from classic batch size production to flexible contract manufacturing affects various areas of the company.
Key area 1: Warehouse logistics
One aim of the transformation was to be able to produce more flexibly in the future. To achieve this, the first changes must already take place in warehouse logistics. The big picture shows how optimized material flows, better inventory management and digital control systems should enable a more efficient and flexible supply of the production lines. The first step is supplier management, which checks the goods for good quality before they arrive in the warehouse.
Key area 2: Production line
The production line was also comprehensively staged to make the structural and technological adjustments tangible. The switch to flexible contract manufacturing required a new timing of the assembly processes as well as greater automation and digitalization (digital twin). At the same time, training and qualification measures for employees are presented to support a smooth transition to the new production method.
Key area 3: Quality of stay
The big picture also sheds light on improving the quality of time spent by employees. Modern break rooms, ergonomically designed workstations and improved social areas should help to increase well-being. These measures should not only increase employee satisfaction and motivation, but also support a productive and health-promoting work culture.
The result
Employees receive a clear picture of processes and improvements in production. The big picture serves as a guide for training, communication and change management within the company.
CUSTOMER: Maschinenfabrik Bernard Krone GmbH & Co. KG
SCOPE OF SERVICES: Big Picture for use in print and digital
PROJECT PERIOD 5 month
The transformation of our production philosophy towards flexible contract manufacturing is a decisive step towards further increasing our efficiency and meeting the demands of a dynamic market. The collaboration with Big Pictury has enabled us to present this complex change in a visual and understandable way. The clear visualization of the new processes makes it easier for our employees and partners to understand the changes and to be actively integrated into the change process. The Big Picture is a valuable tool for supporting the transition and successfully communicating the new principles.
