Hela accelerates its digitization with a people-oriented approach: "Our people write the plan themselves"

Hela digitalises with a focus on people and simplicity

When Hela plant manager Wim Vandekerkhof got to know the Make The Future program, he immediately saw opportunities. The Agoria-Sirris method was put on the table, and from there the manufacturer of mobile fences further developed its own route. "We had already invested in a strong basic structure, but were looking for ways to develop it further in a smart way."

Few people know it, but hidden on a business park in Pelt is Europe's largest production site for mobile fencing. Hela produces about 700,000 fences here every year in dozens of variants, which can be found at every festival and thousands of construction sites. Forty employees, 95% of whom are workers, work 3,000 fences and load fifty trucks every day.

Pelt is seen as the pilot location for the entire group. "We are the most progressive site within the Dutch HERAS group," says plant manager Wim Vandekerkhof. "We first test new initiatives here. Within five years, we also want to pass on this culture to the other production sites."

Extra inspiration for innovations

Hela found additional substantiation and inspiration for all these innovations during the Make The Future program that Paul Peeters, community relationship officer at Agoria, presented to him. 'Make the Future' is the Agoria-Sirris programme, in which the two organisations join forces to assist companies in their Factory of the Future process in a structured way.

"The process offered exactly what we were looking for. Namely, a way to test whether we are doing well on most of the 7 transformations of Factory of the Future. At the same time, we found it valuable to get inspiration from other companies. Thanks to the learning network,  we were able to take a look inside similar factories and see what worked and what didn't."
 

"The process offered exactly what we were looking for. Namely, a way to test whether we are doing well on most of the 7 transformations of Factory of the Future."
Wim Vandekerkhof - Hela.

From growing pains to a people-oriented approach

Hela has grown strongly in recent years, which has been accompanied by growing pains. As soon as Vandekerkhof came on board seven years ago, he focused on a positive group culture. "Criticism is allowed, but then you also have to come up with a solution or enter into consultation. This creates a culture of positive involvement in which employees take responsibility."

He focuses on participation and sharing responsibilities: "I provide the preconditions, such as safety, order and cleanliness and structure. Then the employees make the concrete plan. They take the decisions with them. This creates support. Our very low staff turnover proves that this approach works!"

Which initiatives will make Hela grow even more carefree and innovative? In terms of sustainability, Agoria helped to further refine the waste management plan. And in the HR field, with the support of Agoria, it replaced an outdated evaluation system with a new tool that values people more objectively and correctly. Job descriptions are now more concrete than ever before.

Digitalization doesn't have to be complex

Simplicity and recognizability are the key to smooth operation. "Our mobile fences are simple. So is our production. It is now a matter of maintaining this simplicity in the most logical and challenging next step: digitization! 

Vandekerkhof: "Our machinery is modern, but it needs to be used smarter. Our logistical operation is complex. The size and combination of orders must always fit on a truck in puzzle form, and all this must be done at a high pace. Because our customers expect fences to be available quickly. Moreover, we don't need complicated tools or robots that constantly measure performance and make automatic adjustments. Nor are we looking for an extensive order picking application with advanced tracking."

However, hands-on digital support will make newcomers and employees faster and more versatile. In addition, this creates more opportunities for task variety, which makes the work more attractive. At the same time, the efficiency and stability of the factory increase.

Sirris helps you find the right digital tools

Sirris and Hela jointly drew up a blueprint to choose the right digital tools. "We got lost in the enormous offer. Sirris helped us to approach the project in a structured way. First, the existing processes were examined and a wish list was drawn up that the tools had to meet. Thanks to Sirris' extensive network, we were able to invite several suppliers. Although we didn't find a perfect match at first, the real-world experience was very valuable. Because we were able to further optimize our blueprint and search in a more targeted way. On Agoria's advice, we visited the Indumation fair, where we made very valuable contacts. Today we are looking at three concrete solutions, and by the end of this year we will make a final choice."

Within two years, Hela wants to have a user-friendly digital tool that supports the processes and strengthens the basic structure. At the same time, employees are already enjoying the impact of the Factory of the Future process.