Annual Report 2003 2004

Additional impetus from sales initiative
ThyssenKrupp best was given added impetus by the sales initiative. In times of growing competition it
is increasingly important to focus firmly on customer needs and requirements. This is where the sales
initiative comes in. Its aim is to intensify customer contacts, develop new profitable growth markets in
the core business areas and guarantee a profit-optimized product mix in production. More than 120 new
projects were launched in this area in the reporting year.
Further improvement potential identified
In addition, we again systematically screened the business processes of all German and foreign subsidiaries
for further opportunities for improvement. All elements and interfaces of the value creating
process – from procurement to production to after-sales service – including organizational and management
processes were examined. This ultimately resulted in a further 763 best projects aimed at
unlocking the potential identified.
Successful methods employed
To carry out the projects efficiently we use approaches such as the proven Six Sigma methodology.
This method is especially successful with repetitive production-related processes, where it can reduce
process costs or increase productivity by for example reducing defect rates and saving material. Six
Sigma has now been successfully used in more than 280 projects across the Group.
Systematic knowledge sharing through best pl@za
The Groupwide knowledge network that is a central component of ThyssenKrupp best was further
expanded in the reporting period: new elements include method collections for the sales initiative,
further successful project examples and intensive training courses for program participants. Of
particular importance is the web-based project management software tool best pl@za. It provides
comprehensive information on all ongoing projects and permits rapid transfer of project-related
expertise. Regular project leader meetings and cross-segment workshops intensify the Groupwide
exchange of experience.
best Awards for four successful project teams
Four project teams from the Steel, Technologies and Services segments won ThyssenKrupp best
Awards in the reporting year for innovative solutions that can be transferred to other areas of the
Group. The award competition, introduced by the Executive Board of ThyssenKrupp ag in fiscal
2002/2003, is an additional motivation for all staff involved in the program. It will be held again in
the new fiscal year.
best pl@za was
further expanded.
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Our future potential
ThyssenKrupp best