Breakout Session

One standard across three continents: A continuous improvement solution for manufacturing

Wednesday, Nov 5 | 11:30AM - 12:30PM

Details

Global program management across continents often means silos, inefficiencies, and inconsistent execution. Learn how FEW Automotive Group tackled these challenges by standardizing processes across five plants, using benchmarking, templates, and direct task assignments. We will also show you how they built a Kaizen management system to streamline idea collection, workflows, and collaboration through Kanban boards and automation.

Content Track

Smartsheet solutions at work

User Level

Introductory

Industry

Manufacturing

Speakers

Headshot of Konstantin Gross

Konstantin Gross

Group Program Manager

Head of Project management at FEW Group, working in automotive industry since my time as a student at Technical University Ilmenau. M. Sc in Industrial Engineering with focus on production technology and supply chain management.

Headshot of Nico Röpnack

Nico Röpnack

CEO

Too many organizations struggle with siloed processes, low adoption, and underperforming teams. As Lecturer in Business Information Systems at DHBW and Founder of Lighthouse Consultings, I help leaders turn these challenges into measurable results. We specialize in Smartsheet-driven portfolio management, Lean & Kaizen optimization, and change management. A certified Smartsheet Gold Partner and PMI member, I combine academic insight with hands-on consulting. As a Forbes Council author on high-performance teams, I share proven strategies to align people, processes, and technology. At Engage, I’ll deliver actionable practices to help organizations move from complexity to clarity.

Headshot of James Ashby

James Ashby

Mr

James spent nearly a decade managing programmes and people in the UK high-tech manufacturing industry, where he observed how recurring challenges in team collaboration limited growth, productivity, and engagement. Today, as a Solutions Engineer at Smartsheet, he advises enterprise organisations on unlocking the tangible value of collaboration and automation. James specialises in translating complex technical concepts into practical, user-driven insights that drive sustainable change. His passion lies in helping teams work smarter, not harder - empowering professionals to deliver greater impact with clarity and confidence.