Long before the ERP implementation was undertaken,
Huck had developed a company culture
that was receptive to change. For several years, the
company had embraced a program of monthly
‘‘kaizen breakthrough events’’ in the pursuit of
lean manufacturing. These events occupy teams––
composed of six to ten shop floor employees, local
and corporate executives, customers, and suppliers––
who are charged with the analysis, redesign,
and implementation of improvements in specific
business or manufacturing processes. Teams frequently
install, move, or modify equipment, rewrite
procedures, change work assignments, set local
operations policy, and otherwise make changes as
required to achieve their designated goals. In addition,
Huck has numerous self-directed, permanent
cross-functional teams that are charged with
continuous improvement in a variety of areas.
Huck was well positioned to implement and accept
the changes brought about by the ERP implementation