ANNUAL REPORT 2004 - Luxottica Group
ANNUAL REPORT 2004 - Luxottica Group
ANNUAL REPORT 2004 - Luxottica Group
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
VERTICAL INTEGRATION<br />
Over the decades <strong>Luxottica</strong> <strong>Group</strong> has vertically<br />
integrated every phase of the production process, as it<br />
saw as at the only way to reach the level of efficiency<br />
suitable for the type of products and services wanted<br />
to offer.<br />
Control of the various phases of production allows the<br />
<strong>Group</strong> to closely monitor the quality of the products<br />
and processes, introducing innovations, maximizing<br />
synergies and new operating methods.<br />
Supervision of these phases makes it possible to<br />
control and minimize production time and costs, in<br />
order to create the best possible product without<br />
compromising quality in the process.<br />
The accomplishment of these goals is made possible<br />
through the perfecting of every single process,<br />
rigorous quality inspections, and above all, ensuring<br />
that each and every department understands and<br />
fulfills its role in achieving the final results.<br />
This ongoing quest in research and development<br />
provides the plants with the latest equipment and the<br />
best manufacturing methods.<br />
In addition to having state-of-the-art manufacturing<br />
plants, the <strong>Group</strong> utilizes a centralized system for<br />
monitoring inventory and orders. Each day, the analysis<br />
of this information allows projection of demand, making<br />
it possible to plan production and other necessary<br />
tasks in advance. This is no small advantage for a<br />
group of this size, where the perfect coordination of<br />
supply and demand reduces potential problems in<br />
inventory and in the supply of raw materials.<br />
Bringing together the speed and efficiency of the<br />
manufacturing plants with the precise monitoring of<br />
the market, places <strong>Luxottica</strong> <strong>Group</strong> in the best<br />
possible position to efficiently meet customer<br />
requests, adapting to changes in trends in the market<br />
and fashion, both in terms of type and quantity of<br />
MANUFACTURING<br />
product. Such flexibility is a powerful competitive<br />
advantage in such a multifaceted market, where the<br />
ability to address the latest fashion trends is<br />
fundamental.<br />
Over the years, <strong>Luxottica</strong> <strong>Group</strong> has brought both retail<br />
and wholesale distribution into its vertically integrated<br />
system. This has allowed the <strong>Group</strong> to become global<br />
leader in eyewear and to be one of the manufacturers<br />
of premium prescription and sun frames with most<br />
efficient cost control and highest profitability.<br />
QUALITY: A KEY ASSET<br />
Product quality has always been <strong>Luxottica</strong> <strong>Group</strong>’s<br />
main focus and has led to the integration of every<br />
phase of production. Quality is, in fact, the critical<br />
factor in the premium segment for both optometrists<br />
as well as the final consumer.<br />
Quality and process control teams regularly inspect<br />
semi finished products during the various phases of<br />
production: verifying the feasibility of a prototype in the<br />
project design phase, controlling standards across the<br />
spectrum of products during the production phase,<br />
and subsequently checking for resistance to wear and<br />
tear, and optical properties according to various uses.<br />
The manufacturing processes of primary suppliers are<br />
furthermore controlled and certified, including the<br />
materials utilized.<br />
Thanks to the ongoing inspection of the precision and<br />
expertise with which the various phases of production<br />
are carried out, the quality of <strong>Luxottica</strong> <strong>Group</strong>’s final<br />
product is always of the highest level. This<br />
fundamental strength of the <strong>Group</strong>’s products, is<br />
confirmed both by the relationship of trust it enjoys<br />
with independent opticians, as well as the low rate of<br />
returns.<br />
51