Projects
How innovations are born
On June 7, the Beko plant hosted R&D Demo Day, a cross-functional product development session.
Specialists from teams responsible for washing machines and refrigerators presented for discussion to their colleagues projects on model range expansion, localization and cost optimization. Representatives of most departments of the plant took part in the interchange of views. Such events help to analyze innovations at the development stage and increase the efficiency of interaction between the departments.
R&D Demo Day is held for the second year; the first time team project discussions were held in 2023. The positive feedback from the participants suggests that the practice of regular discussion of product development issues is sought after and is effective from the point of view of cross-functional interaction.
‘Having friendly coworkers will help us be more successful’
The team session started with a team building activity - an impromptu brainstorming session on “What will help us become more successful?”. The most popular opinion was that the key to success was friendly colleagues. The wishes to strengthen employee engagement and motivation, to continue modernizing equipment and to improve staff qualifications were also supported.
After the welcoming speech of Bilgin Hadjioglu, Director of Product Development Department, presentations of projects in the areas of “washing machine development” and “refrigerator development” were made: innovations were presented by leading design engineers Mikhail Denisov and Anton Gamayunov. The discussion took place in a lively and informal environment, and the projects attracted great interest among the colleagues.
R&D Demo Day is held for the second year; the first time team project discussions were held in 2023. The positive feedback from the participants suggests that the practice of regular discussion of product development issues is sought after and is effective from the point of view of cross-functional interaction.
‘Having friendly coworkers will help us be more successful’
The team session started with a team building activity - an impromptu brainstorming session on “What will help us become more successful?”. The most popular opinion was that the key to success was friendly colleagues. The wishes to strengthen employee engagement and motivation, to continue modernizing equipment and to improve staff qualifications were also supported.
After the welcoming speech of Bilgin Hadjioglu, Director of Product Development Department, presentations of projects in the areas of “washing machine development” and “refrigerator development” were made: innovations were presented by leading design engineers Mikhail Denisov and Anton Gamayunov. The discussion took place in a lively and informal environment, and the projects attracted great interest among the colleagues.
- 4projects –
in the washing machine group - 3projects –
in the refrigerator group - 3projects
are planned for 2025 - 4projects
will be implemented as early as 2024
"We need a collective mind"
Bilgin Hadjioglu,
R&D Director of Beko & IHP:
- This year's event showed that the teamwork has progressed. My colleagues began to express their opinions more freely, actively discuss details of projects. This is extremely important because in order to develop sustainably, the company needs feedback from employees, especially when it comes to expanding the product line. We need a collective mind. And I'm happy to observe that our, now annual, discussions of new projects initiate team thinking. There were hard-hitting questions and discussions at the session - it shows that the colleagues are really keen to make sure that the projects are implemented as efficiently as possible, offering their ideas that they believe to be right. It's absolutely fine to have disagreements when doing so – in the process of discussion, the team comes to common solutions. This positive trend is also reflected in our surveys: we've noticed that engagement-related metrics are improving, which means we're moving in the right direction. Events like the current R&D Demo Day facilitate discussion of all projects in development in one session with representatives from various departments.
Bilgin Hadjioglu,
R&D Director of Beko & IHP:
- This year's event showed that the teamwork has progressed. My colleagues began to express their opinions more freely, actively discuss details of projects. This is extremely important because in order to develop sustainably, the company needs feedback from employees, especially when it comes to expanding the product line. We need a collective mind. And I'm happy to observe that our, now annual, discussions of new projects initiate team thinking. There were hard-hitting questions and discussions at the session - it shows that the colleagues are really keen to make sure that the projects are implemented as efficiently as possible, offering their ideas that they believe to be right. It's absolutely fine to have disagreements when doing so – in the process of discussion, the team comes to common solutions. This positive trend is also reflected in our surveys: we've noticed that engagement-related metrics are improving, which means we're moving in the right direction. Events like the current R&D Demo Day facilitate discussion of all projects in development in one session with representatives from various departments.
From an idea to a finished product
At Beko, we focus on the design, quality and value of the product. The design should be appealing and functional, the quality should be high and, of course, the product should be affordable for customers, competitive in the market and profitable for the company. All of these vital areas should be well-balanced in every project.
A promising project is determined by the market. The product management department interacts with retailers and receives through them feedback from consumers and takes into account specific customer requests. Once specifications are received, the department starts the design development as per the given parameters. It is often necessary for a new product to add additional production adaptations. Once a pilot batch has been tested for compliance with the established criteria, the product goes into mass production.
At Beko, we focus on the design, quality and value of the product. The design should be appealing and functional, the quality should be high and, of course, the product should be affordable for customers, competitive in the market and profitable for the company. All of these vital areas should be well-balanced in every project.
A promising project is determined by the market. The product management department interacts with retailers and receives through them feedback from consumers and takes into account specific customer requests. Once specifications are received, the department starts the design development as per the given parameters. It is often necessary for a new product to add additional production adaptations. Once a pilot batch has been tested for compliance with the established criteria, the product goes into mass production.
Reducing costs
There were various projects presented as part of R&D Day. Some projects addressed economic aspects, including localization and optimization of production, and substitution of materials. There were projects on redesigning household appliance product models, including a new platform for washing machines.
Mikhail Denisov,
Lead Design Engineer of the Product Development Group (Washing Machines):
- Every year we set goals to reduce costs, localize the production of components to avoid higher prices for goods due to imported components, as this directly affects our ability to compete. Competition means a constant focus on savings and we aim to strike a balance between these areas. Events such as today's cross-functional session help us immensely with these efforts. We can conclude from the audience's reaction that many of the topics discussed sparked keen interest. Such discussions help colleagues to raise awareness of ongoing projects and allow us to get valuable feedback.
There were various projects presented as part of R&D Day. Some projects addressed economic aspects, including localization and optimization of production, and substitution of materials. There were projects on redesigning household appliance product models, including a new platform for washing machines.
Mikhail Denisov,
Lead Design Engineer of the Product Development Group (Washing Machines):
- Every year we set goals to reduce costs, localize the production of components to avoid higher prices for goods due to imported components, as this directly affects our ability to compete. Competition means a constant focus on savings and we aim to strike a balance between these areas. Events such as today's cross-functional session help us immensely with these efforts. We can conclude from the audience's reaction that many of the topics discussed sparked keen interest. Such discussions help colleagues to raise awareness of ongoing projects and allow us to get valuable feedback.
A new type of washing machines
Since its opening in 2006, the Beko plant has been producing washing machines with U-shaped housing. With the panel housing was introduced, it became possible to significantly expand the range of washing machines, including the production of machines with a drying function, as well as adding various other functions, such as AutoDose (automatic dosing of detergent). With the panel housing, it is not necessary to change all the equipment (automatic line) to make new washing machines with increased depth – only the tooling. It speeds up the implementation process and reduces costs, and allows us to adapt to customer needs even faster.
Since its opening in 2006, the Beko plant has been producing washing machines with U-shaped housing. With the panel housing was introduced, it became possible to significantly expand the range of washing machines, including the production of machines with a drying function, as well as adding various other functions, such as AutoDose (automatic dosing of detergent). With the panel housing, it is not necessary to change all the equipment (automatic line) to make new washing machines with increased depth – only the tooling. It speeds up the implementation process and reduces costs, and allows us to adapt to customer needs even faster.
Colleagues giving feedback
When representatives from different departments make suggestions, criticize and ask questions, it benefits the project. Each department looks at the project from a specific angle. And it addresses a challenge of how to ensure a technically and technologically seamless process of manufacturing and assembly of a new product.
Anton Gamayunov,
Design Engineer of the Product Development Group (Refrigerators):
- I've been working in the development department for the fourth year in the refrigerators line of business. During this period, colleagues from other departments have repeatedly suggested interesting ideas to me: something I hadn't thought of or seen from my position. So events like today's are very important and useful. It is mandatory for all the designers to communicate with representatives from various departments, including engineers and operators on the line. After all, they have direct experience and knowledge about products. For example, a worker who constantly executes a certain operation knows all its specifics and can tell at a glance where difficulties may arise and how to avoid defects or increase efficiency. Getting that information directly from people working in the industry is very valuable. This helps to avoid many mistakes and improve the product at the early stages, thus saving time and resources.
When representatives from different departments make suggestions, criticize and ask questions, it benefits the project. Each department looks at the project from a specific angle. And it addresses a challenge of how to ensure a technically and technologically seamless process of manufacturing and assembly of a new product.
Anton Gamayunov,
Design Engineer of the Product Development Group (Refrigerators):
- I've been working in the development department for the fourth year in the refrigerators line of business. During this period, colleagues from other departments have repeatedly suggested interesting ideas to me: something I hadn't thought of or seen from my position. So events like today's are very important and useful. It is mandatory for all the designers to communicate with representatives from various departments, including engineers and operators on the line. After all, they have direct experience and knowledge about products. For example, a worker who constantly executes a certain operation knows all its specifics and can tell at a glance where difficulties may arise and how to avoid defects or increase efficiency. Getting that information directly from people working in the industry is very valuable. This helps to avoid many mistakes and improve the product at the early stages, thus saving time and resources.
Analysis and preparation are essential for any project
Before launching anything into production, you need to understand the risks and plan in such a way that you can optimize costs, improve processes and innovate to ensure your products are competitive in the market.
Georgy Berulava,
Technical Development Department Manager:
- Our department is involved in various aspects including investment, technology and the development of vendor relationships. I have been at Beko for 18 years and have had experience in all the departments. As an executive, I can see several key benefits of such discussions. First and foremost it is all about collaboration and communication. Questions and discussions at the meetings help to identify problems in communication between the different departments, thus providing insights into where communication needs to be improved. Moreover, such sessions help to bring the team closer together. People see that each department has its own tasks and challenges and can speak up about their difficulties and achievements. When employees see that their opinions are taken into account, it increases their motivation and engagement. Another important aspect is understanding the goals. These events allow all the staff to better understand why we are doing any given project. Explaining goals and objectives helps us see the bigger picture and understand how each department and project contributes to our work together.
Before launching anything into production, you need to understand the risks and plan in such a way that you can optimize costs, improve processes and innovate to ensure your products are competitive in the market.
Georgy Berulava,
Technical Development Department Manager:
- Our department is involved in various aspects including investment, technology and the development of vendor relationships. I have been at Beko for 18 years and have had experience in all the departments. As an executive, I can see several key benefits of such discussions. First and foremost it is all about collaboration and communication. Questions and discussions at the meetings help to identify problems in communication between the different departments, thus providing insights into where communication needs to be improved. Moreover, such sessions help to bring the team closer together. People see that each department has its own tasks and challenges and can speak up about their difficulties and achievements. When employees see that their opinions are taken into account, it increases their motivation and engagement. Another important aspect is understanding the goals. These events allow all the staff to better understand why we are doing any given project. Explaining goals and objectives helps us see the bigger picture and understand how each department and project contributes to our work together.
Svetlana Sukacheva,
Head of Quality System Group:
- Last year we had separate meetings on Washing Machines and Refrigerators, but now we have combined everything into one event. Such meetings imply open communication and cooperation, allow sharing experiences that can lead to faster and more successful solutions and innovations. The experience proves that early identification and analysis of controversial issues significantly increases the chances of successful implementation of innovations. We have cases where feedback from our peers has helped improve manufacturing processes and products. Indeed, at the stage of preliminary discussion, it is easier to prevent potential problems from happening.
Head of Quality System Group:
- Last year we had separate meetings on Washing Machines and Refrigerators, but now we have combined everything into one event. Such meetings imply open communication and cooperation, allow sharing experiences that can lead to faster and more successful solutions and innovations. The experience proves that early identification and analysis of controversial issues significantly increases the chances of successful implementation of innovations. We have cases where feedback from our peers has helped improve manufacturing processes and products. Indeed, at the stage of preliminary discussion, it is easier to prevent potential problems from happening.
Stanislav Miroshnikov,
Operational Director of the plant:
- Earlier, when R&D introduced a new model to the production line, it often raised questions. Now, we inform everyone in advance of what is expected in the near future. When a project is being presented, I immediately think about what technical actions will be required to adapt it, what steps need to be taken, what resources need to be involved, and how it will be done in reality: is it necessary to adapt the production line, to put additional tooling on it.
Getting active feedback from your audience is highly valuable. We always take feedback into account and try to put it into practice. For example, if an interesting idea or a meaningful observation comes up during a discussion, we make a note of it and discuss it within the team. This allows us to improve our projects, to adjust something based on real needs. For example, at today's meeting, colleagues raised the issue of washing machine assembly problems. We immediately set up a working group to study this issue in detail. This is a good example of how feedback can lead to concrete actions and improvements. The format of these meetings not only helps to inform, but also to unite the team. I believe we need to develop this approach to ensure that our projects are successful and meet the expectations of everyone involved in the process.
Operational Director of the plant:
- Earlier, when R&D introduced a new model to the production line, it often raised questions. Now, we inform everyone in advance of what is expected in the near future. When a project is being presented, I immediately think about what technical actions will be required to adapt it, what steps need to be taken, what resources need to be involved, and how it will be done in reality: is it necessary to adapt the production line, to put additional tooling on it.
Getting active feedback from your audience is highly valuable. We always take feedback into account and try to put it into practice. For example, if an interesting idea or a meaningful observation comes up during a discussion, we make a note of it and discuss it within the team. This allows us to improve our projects, to adjust something based on real needs. For example, at today's meeting, colleagues raised the issue of washing machine assembly problems. We immediately set up a working group to study this issue in detail. This is a good example of how feedback can lead to concrete actions and improvements. The format of these meetings not only helps to inform, but also to unite the team. I believe we need to develop this approach to ensure that our projects are successful and meet the expectations of everyone involved in the process.
© Beko 2023