A successful start to our “Mission 1 Percent”: Following the KAIZEN principle, we’re tapping into the experience and expertise of our colleagues on the ground: Where do they see opportunities in their day-to-day work to improve processes, raise service levels, boost revenue, or cut costs? Over 20 employees from across the company submitted their suggestions, backed by figures, data, and analyses. And it turns out: Great ideas come directly from the field!
There were detailed proposals for greater digitization in document management, for automating customer processes, and for improving workflows in the warehouse and building services. Our jury—comprising the Management Board of the Rieck Logistics Group, the managing directors of Rieck Systemspedition, and the campaign’s initiators—was spoiled for choice and carefully reviewed each proposal.
“We are overwhelmed by our colleagues’ dedication and creativity.”
Congratulations to the three winners
The jury awarded first place to Theofanis Goussias (International Transport Specialist) from our Rostock-based HOMTRANS office. Second place was shared by Julia Ziggel (Executive Assistant, Rieck Consulting Services in Großbeeren) and Julian Jürgens (student) from Rieck Logistik Berlin Nord.
Theofanis Goussias’ winning proposal focuses on more efficient handling of shipment requests from customers and partners. Automated processes could significantly reduce response times as well as labor and costs. Theofanis Goussias has laid out in detail how this can be effectively implemented in day-to-day operations and what potential savings it offers—and in doing so, he won over our jury.
Julia Ziggel took a close look at our onboarding process and came up with ideas for reducing the time and effort required for license and device management—while, of course, maintaining the same level of support quality. This involves streamlining processes and reducing the number of people involved in each step, as well as, for example, the onboarding tools we use.
Julian Jürgens is focused on optimizing pallet handling. This is because the Euro pallets used throughout the company must be stacked precisely during temporary storage to prevent damage not only to the pallets themselves but also to the building walls. His idea is to use a pallet station to streamline processes, save time, and improve workplace safety at the same time.
What happens next?
Preparations are currently underway to implement the winning ideas in the best possible way. To this end, the ideas are being carefully reviewed, evaluated, and, if necessary, adjusted. An external provider must be found for the pallet station so that a trial phase can follow. So there is still a lot of work to be done.
“Even proposals that do not receive an award are carefully evaluated for their usefulness and feasibility.”
And because the launch of our KAIZEN initiative was so successful, the next round will begin as early as the second quarter of 2026. After all, the constructive ideas from our employees can lead to numerous improvements. And that means: And the winner is … Rieck!
Congratulations to Julia Ziggel: She took second place with her ideas for the onboarding process.
Julian Jürgens optimized the pallet handling system and also took second place.