100 % FUTURE - ALNO

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invoicing process to be fully automated. From ALNO’s perspective, this activity represents a prior
step to tapping two market segments that have previously not been addressed by German kitchen
manufacturers: firstly, a general process standardisation in the takeout and large-area sales channels
within Germany, which allows, along with the “block kitchen” topic, other parameters, such
as minimum volumes, logistics deadlines etc, to be established analogously to the market for a
self-assembly furniture. Secondly - and this is the strategic objective – it allows an entry to be made
into the self-assembly furniture market with “the proper kitchens”.
Marketing
Responsibility for the show kitchen process is allocated to the “Marketing” area at ALNO. Competitors
in Germany work predominantly with their own assembly teams. With the exception of a very small
“supervisory team”, ALNO has completely outsourced its show kitchen assembly. In the case of
in-sourcing, it is assumed that the complaints ratio will fall for show kitchens since the Group’s own
personnel create their own kitchens with a higher level of specialist expertise.
Purchasing
Regular make-or-buy analyses are systematically performed, as is the case with components manufacturing.
Along with the minimisation of risk relating to supplier price increases, this generates the
opportunity for cost reductions.
Logistics
As part of its “ALNO 2013” project, the Group is planning to establish logistics expertise to a
greater extent as an in-house capability. This relates to materials planning know-how. From today’s
perspective, it is to be assumed that this will also be connected with cost reductions.
Production
Corresponding in-sourcing topics from the “Purchasing” area should be mentioned in this context.
The reactivation of components production at Pfullendorf opens up further potentials for the
additional in-sourcing of carcass components. It also gives the Group the opportunity to “shift”
production volumes between plants.
Quality
Error costs are to be further reduced above and beyond the planned volume. The opportunity exists
at ALNO to reduce the complaints ratio, and consequently corresponding costs, through quality
improvement projects with wholesalers/retailers, or further training of the sales force. The same
applies for a consistent quality audits at suppliers, with the possibility of a more targeted regression.