Improving productivity and cutting installation costs at a solar installation company
The challenge
A national solar installation company faced high installation costs, project losses and gaps between management and field crews that affected performance. High employee turnover and the lack of accurate tools for planning work hours and resources made improvement harder. The company wanted to cut installation costs, raise crew productivity and strengthen cooperation between management and field workers.
Our solution
We carried out a comprehensive operational diagnosis that included field observation, interviews with role holders and identifying operational and organizational gaps. We then analyzed work times and built a model to forecast the installation hours required according to project characteristics.
Based on the findings, we developed algorithms for workforce planning and optimal assignment of installation crews. In parallel, the reward model was improved, with mechanisms that encourage productivity and cooperation. The solutions were tested in an operational pilot, to validate their effectiveness and establish their implementation in the field.
Results and value
The project led to a significant improvement in installation times and crew productivity, along with a better ability to forecast work hours and plan staffing more efficiently. In addition, cooperation and alignment between management and field crews improved, which strengthened operational efficiency.
- Significant improvement in installation times and crew productivity
- Better work-hour forecasting and more efficient staffing
- Cooperation and alignment between management and the field
What will your step change be?
If conventional improvement programs no longer deliver the impact you are looking for, it may be time to crack the challenge differently. Let’s look together at where your organization’s next improvement potential lies.