The art of industrial optimisation

Industrial performance ‘is the art and skills required to optimise everything that makes up an industry,’ explains Yannick Martin, performance manager at SEGULA.

This means scrutinising every stage of manufacturing, from the arrival of raw materials to the delivery of the finished product. This discipline is based on proven methods such as lean management, which aims to eliminate all waste. Unnecessary waiting times, superfluous movements, excessive stock, manufacturing defects: everything is analysed, measured and improved to create a cleaner, faster and more economical factory.

A multidisciplinary team dedicated to excellence

To optimise a factory, you need to understand all its workings. That’s why SEGULA’s industrial performance team brings together a wide variety of profiles: ‘A process engineer will analyse the manufacturing stages, a supply chain specialist will optimise the supply of raw materials, an implementation expert will redesign the layout of the machines to streamline flows, etc.,’ explains Yannick Martin.

The team also includes ‘4.0’ specialists who work on smart technologies. Thanks to these technologies, equipment can warn when it is about to break down or automatically shut down during off-peak periods to save energy.

The diagnosis : an X-ray of the company

It all starts with a diagnosis: SEGULA’s experts visit the site for what they call a gemba walk (‘going to see the site’ in Japanese). They first collect critical input data for the project, then, with a fresh and neutral eye, observe, question and analyse how the company operates. This approach, explains Yannick Martin, makes it possible to identify areas for improvement without judgement, based on concrete facts. Modern tools (3D scanning of buildings, production flow analysis, or parts inspection using artificial intelligence) complement this human expertise.

People at the heart of performance

In order to create a ‘performance culture’ shared by all professions involved in the field, but also at management level, SEGULA offers training courses to explain new methods, create shared standards and maintain continuous improvement over time. For Yannick Martin, this human dimension is crucial: ‘A high-performing organisation contributes to a reduction in accidents, a better quality of life at work, an improvement in our client’s brand image and, therefore, greater client satisfaction.’

Towards a greener industry

Industrial performance is also a major driver of ecological transition. Optimising energy consumption, reducing waste, improving logistics circuits: every efficiency gain translates into a reduced environmental footprint. ‘This is an increasingly important driver, particularly in terms of legislation,’ observes Yannick Martin. ‘But companies are no longer subject to these constraints: they are turning them into a competitive advantage, a source of innovation and savings.’

Focus on optimising the installation of solar farms with EDF

In 2021, SEGULA had the opportunity to support EDF Énergies Renouvelables in improving the installation of solar power plants with a capacity of over 100 GWh.

The aim of the project was to optimise processes on site in order to install the power plants more quickly, with fewer risks and better team organisation. SEGULA mobilised a multidisciplinary team of 40 people, covering production, processes, geometry, structure, design, supply chain, finance and project management.

The main actions carried out:

• Optimisation Optimisation of the supply chain and preparation of installation kits to reduce travel and waiting times on site.
• Improved ergonomics and automation of workflows to make work safer and more efficient.
• Reduction in installation times through better organisation and standardised methods.
• Focus on plug-and-play products, simplifying the connec tion and installation of solar panels.

This methodical approach has enabled EDF to accelerate the roll-out of its solar installations and contribute to energy transition objectives, while improving working conditions for its teams in the field.

3 questions for Yannick Martin, performance driver

What advice would you give to a young engineer who wants to get started in industrial performance?

Be humble and rely on the teams around you. You need to exchange ideas, learn from experience and keep an open mind. Take an interest in the field as much as in the technologies. Industrial performance is above all about meeting people and continuous learning.

How is artificial intelligence transforming your profession?

It is used in particular for inspecting parts and optimising buildings using 3D scans. But it is essential to maintain a critical eye on these AI achievements. Technology helps, but human expertise remains indispensable for interpretation and decision-making.

What is SEGULA’s added value in this area?

Our strength lies in our size and geographical coverage. With 15,000 employees in France and abroad, we can draw on a very broad pool of skills. If we lack expertise on a project, we can always mobilise the right people. This wealth of professions and know-how makes all the difference.

➡️You can find this article in our energy magazine.