Cromology continuous improvement
Company
Cromology is a leading multinational company in paint and varnish production for the construction industry, with 13 plants and 3,900 employees. The Cromology group directly distributes its prestigious brands – MaxMeyer, Baldini Vernice, Duco, Tollens, Settef, Cepro, Viero, MaxMeyerDIY, Mister Color, Lo Specialista Mister Color – to over 7,000 stores in 8 different countries and its products are retailed in more than 40 other countries around the world. An important pillar of the business is a network of 300 own stores dedicated to serving both the construction industry and the consumer DYI market.
Environmental sustainability in its production processes, eco-compatible products, and low VOC levels (Volatile Organic Compounds) represent three key hallmarks of Cromology Italy, which has always placed a priority on the protection of the environment.
Critical issues, problems, and objectives
Quality, technological innovation and research, and adherence to the highest environmental standards are primary objectives for Cromology Italy, which is committed to the delivery of products which not only satisfy the contracted requirements but also the implicit expectations of its clients.
Cromology has put in place an integrated quality/safety management system oriented to constantly improve performance in these two vital areas, and the company is certified in accordance with the current laws (ISO 9001 and OHSAS 18001). The company is aware of the importance of staff training and provides structured tutorials in specific areas not only for its employees but also for interested users and clients.
After thorough discussions with the client, the agreed objective was to develop a computerized system and standard operating procedures to manage the business administration of this large international company. The priorities were efficiency and simplicity, developing protocols that would be intuitive for operators at all levels and that could be implemented in every part of the business (from production to sales) and in every country in the world where Cromology products are sold.
Solution
The company’s quality and safety systems were greatly improved by the introduction of a web software tool that has resulted in the more effective management of:
- personnel, IPD and medical visits
- maintenance
- non-conformities and corrective action
- control and monitoring of all processes and management of inspections
- sample analysis at the pick-up point (e.g., analysis of wastewater samples in accordance with norms)
- quality audits (in-house inspections), using a mobile app integrated with the management modules
- the company’s canteens, through a mobile app and a dedicated module to manage the menu
Ongoing projects
Sinergest has designed a computerized system for the analysis of data from quality control inspections conducted by Cromology’s technicians on the premises of clients and potential clients, who can then access the findings in dedicated views. A mobile app for technicians is currently being developed.