With over 13,000 employees, SFS faced multiple challenges in their idea management process. CrowdWorx provided a unified, adaptable platform that streamlined workflows and enhanced accessibility. In just six months, SFS generated over 2,000 ideas from 900+ contributors, achieving an 83% implementation rate with an average processing time of just 16 days.

About SFS:

SFS is a global leader in screws, fasteners, and fastening technology of all kinds, as well as quality tools and system solutions for fittings, critical precision components, assemblies, mechanical fastening systems, quality tools, and procurement solutions.

• Industry: Manufacturing
• Company Size: 13,000 employees
• Headquarters: Switzerland

Issue

SFS has long invested in internal idea management with the goal of achieving a high rate of innovation and active employee participation in continuous improvement. The company aims for success through improvement and innovation, working closely with employees to constantly push technological boundaries. The existing idea management process was based on two separate solutions – an in-house platform and a standard SAP functionality. The poor user experience and lack of integration of these systems made it impossible to implement a unified, global idea management process. One system did not support multiple languages, and the other lacked workflows for systematic idea processing, which hindered efficiency and global collaboration.

Solution

SFS leadership recognized the need for a robust, adaptable platform to unlock their teams’ full potential and foster creativity worldwide. After thorough research, they selected CrowdWorx, an all-in-one solution for modern and agile idea management. The user-friendliness and flexibility to adapt the platform to company-specific processes convinced SFS. Additionally, the system supports multiple languages, which is crucial for serving SFS employees globally. CrowdWorx’s software allowed the SFS team to tailor their internal suggestion system to their needs so that every employee could submit ideas. The solution was customized to meet SFS’s requirements, eliminating the need for SFS to adapt to the software. The system was also integrated into SFS’s existing infrastructure, enabling employees to access it via SSO, regardless of the browser or device used. The implementation process began with designing a unified, simplified idea management process for the entire company. With the guidance of a CrowdWorx project manager, SFS developed a custom workflow that minimized user inputs and optimally supported idea managers. The system was piloted at two locations, followed by an optimization phase and a global rollout. Additionally, system administrators were trained to operate and configure the system independently, enabling future adjustments.

Results

The benefits of implementing CrowdWorx were immediately apparent. Participation surged, with the number of new ideas at the reference site increasing by 15% compared to the previous year. The high participation rate, averaging eight ideas per employee, underscores the platform’s effectiveness in promoting a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. “With CrowdWorx, we generated over 2,000 ideas within the first 6 months and achieved an implementation rate of 83%!”

About CrowdWorx

CrowdWorx® is the leading integrated software and consulting provider for all aspects of Idea and Innovation Management. With locations in Berlin and Poznan, we help our customers in numerous regions of the world with an excellent and comprehensive product and service portfolio for small and medium-sized businesses as well as corporate clients.