Continental staffers generate 440,000 ideas in 2013, save over Rs 1,294 crore!

Employees at Continental AG worldwide have contributed to handsome savings of over 160 million euros (Rs 1,294 crore) through the Continental Idea Management (CIM) program. In 2013, employees at over 140 locations around the world helped boost efficiency and cost effectiveness at the international automotive supplier, tyre manufacturer, and industrial partner with 440,000 implemented ideas. On average, around 178,000 employees submitted more than two ideas per employee in 2013.

"We have achieved a significant improvement over the previous year. Of the approximately 500,000 ideas submitted, around 440,000 were implemented. Year-on-year, this represents a rise of roughly 33 percent (330,000 ideas were implemented in 2012). What is more, active support on the part of the employees enabled Continental to top the previous year's savings by 30 million euros (Rs 242 crore). That is impressive evidence of the values and management culture lived out at Continental," said Wolfgang Schäfer, Continental Executive Board member for Human Resources.

Again in 2013, the most successful locations – those with the most efficient ideas – received awards in the CIM program. Almost 90 percent of the ideas were developed at international locations. "Employees bear witness to a strong identification with and commitment to Continental by submitting so very many good ideas. Some of these were geared to optimising processes and quality, others to further improving environmental protection and health and safety at the company. The knowledge, creativity, and imagination of our employees make a major contribution to Continental's success. This further illustrates the importance of global networking within the company. It is the only way that everyone can benefit from the ideas," explained Schäfer.

The Icheon and Manila locations occupied the top two positions in the CIM rankings: Icheon in South Korea took first place with 65 implemented ideas per employee and a participation rate of 100 percent; Manila in the Philippines came in second with 58 implemented ideas and likewise a participation rate of 100 percent. Another site in Korea – Sejong – took third place, with an impressive 36 implemented ideas per employee and a participation rate of 100 percent as well.

Continental Idea Management

The Continental Idea Management program has been in place since 1930. The winners are determined on the basis of a point system that takes into account key indicators like participation rate, the number of ideas implemented, and the calculated net savings. The locations with the highest number of points are presented with an in-house award. CIM is a tightly organised and structured process that addresses employees directly. Creativity and resourcefulness are key and  the suggestions made should always extend beyond the employee's own area of responsibility.