Implementing RPA in Consumer Electronics Manufacturing

A prominent global player in consumer durables and electronics, our client manages an array of esteemed brands across the world and employs over 31,000 individuals. They dominate markets in multiple countries and recorded a consolidated turnover of 3.2 billion euros in 2022.

Facing a rapid shift in consumer purchasing behavior towards digital channels, our client encountered new supply and sourcing challenges, as well as frequent fluctuations in orders and production plans. Despite adopting automation technologies in 2018, the evolving market conditions demanded a more agile and scalable approach.

Manual handling of e-commerce errors, marketplace order exceptions, and supply reconciliation was creating bottlenecks at exactly the moment digital sales volumes were expanding. The company needed a way to scale operations without scaling headcount.

Recognizing the need for rapid digital transformation, the client's Process Digitalization team identified robotic process automation (RPA) as a key enabler. Sphere was selected to implement software robots to manage error handling for e-commerce and marketplace orders, significantly improving processing throughput.

The implementation process required a thorough evaluation of business processes. This helped identify key areas for efficiency gains through RPA, focusing on high-impact operational tasks.

To secure buy-in, we launched a comprehensive change management campaign with the client. This campaign addressed misconceptions about automation and ensured alignment across leadership and staff. The initiative, named the "#EfficiencyUnleashedChallenge," encouraged employees to surface processes ripe for automation.

The challenge reached over 1,200 employees and led to the nomination of 280 processes for automation within 14 months, a marked increase from the previous 92 processes. This accelerated the client's automation initiatives, significantly boosting operational efficiency and resilience.

Sphere's strategic support in implementing RPA significantly expedited the client's digital transformation. This initiative addressed immediate operational challenges and set the stage for long-term resilience and efficiency.