H&Z
H&Z Management Consulting - Consulting with head, heart and hand
23/07/2025

Boosting Profitability in Automotive Operations

Discover how automotive suppliers can improve profitability by achieving operational excellence and applying structured lean production techniques. Our latest strategy paper reveals how to unlock value, cut waste and strengthen performance across the entire value chain.

Download Study
H&Z

Why Operational Excellence is Critical for Automotive Suppliers

In a landscape shaped by rising costs, supply chain disruptions and shrinking margins, operational excellence is not a competitive edge — it's a survival factor. The ability to run efficient and resilient operations directly impacts profitability and long-term success.

Five Operational Levers to Improve Profitability

H&Z’s strategy paper offers a practical roadmap for automotive suppliers to improve profitability through five proven levers:

 

1. Boosting Productivity through Lean Production

Identify inefficiencies and apply lean production methods and structured labour analysis to improve throughput and shopfloor performance.


2. Reducing Quality Costs

Cut down on rework and defects with our four-level quality control loop, which enhances trust and strengthens delivery reliability by managing quality costs effectively.


3. Managing Inventory & Lead Time

Drive inventory management efficiency and reduce lead time through advanced analytics and planning tools that optimise working capital and responsiveness.


4. Optimising Layout & Floor Space

Free up space and enhance flow efficiency with smart, data-driven layout redesigns — unlocking capacity and reducing friction in operations.


5. Maximising Equipment Efficiency and OEE

Increase equipment efficiency and improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), driving down unit costs without requiring additional capital investment.

 


Diagnostics with OPE & Process Mining

At the heart of our methodology is the Operations Performance Evaluation (OPE), supported by process mining. This approach allows for fast, structured diagnostics and the development of a cost-out roadmap that delivers both immediate and sustainable results.

 

This is not about cutting costs for the sake of it. It’s about building a high-performance operations system that’s ready for the challenges ahead. By activating these five levers, suppliers can improve profitability, build resilience, and thrive in a complex automotive landscape.

Download Now

Download the full strategy paper now to explore how your operations can deliver measurable performance and profitability gains.

Contact our Experts

Looking to improve your profitability through operations? Contact our experts for a tailored diagnostic and implementation roadmap.

Albert Neumann

LinkedIn
E-Mail
Albert Neumann

Sandra Stoll

LinkedIn
E-Mail
Sandra Stoll

Michael Tines

LinkedIn
E-Mail
Michael Tines

Explore the Bigger Picture

For a broader perspective on profitability levers beyond operations, check out our comprehensive Supplier Profitability Study — covering pricing, strategy, and digital transformation.

This May Also Be of Interest to You

Your search result is empty. Try another filter combination.