Decker-Conradi cites the noteworthy example of IT. Some 80 percent of Bayer HealthCare's business processes are computerized. "If you have a large number of different processes, you obviously need a variety of different programs to map these processes in your computers. Right now some 2,800 different programs are in use across the company. When our standardization is complete, this too could lead to worthwhile adjustments that would simplify training programs, help employees adjust more quickly to new workplaces and eliminate the need for separate hardware to run special programs," says Decker-Conradi.
In parallel with the Go4One initiative to introduce a single global ERP system platform at Bayer HealthCare, the business processes in the countries are now also being reviewed and adapted to the new standard. "In one country we've been spending around €1.5 million annually on software updates. Now that we've introduced the standard processes and the new ERP system, we're spending a million euros less each year," Decker-Conradi points out. He says around a dozen countries are already working with the new standards, which are scheduled for global implementation by 2016.
"This project provides an excellent example of how effective standardization can reduce complexity and save costs, while maintaining or even increasing quality," says Dr. Peter Barschdorff, head of the Complexity Reduction Program.