target is part of

Continuous Improvement Process (CIP)

K+S AG

At a Glance

Company

  • Name: K+S AG
  • Location: Kassel (headquarters)
  • Industry: Mining
  • Revenue: €3.6 billion in 2017
  • Employees: Approximately 15,000 worldwide; around 10,000 in Germany

What They Needed

  • Treat the creative potential of employees as an economic resource
  • Optimize idea management process with sophisticated software
  • Implement more future-proof technology

Why They Chose target Idea Management

  • Solution fit with the company’s IT strategy and was not a silo solution
  • Standard solution offers comprehensive functionality
  • Solution can be flexibly configured to map requirements

The continuous improvement process is an important element in increasing our competitive edge. With the target solution, we are able to successfully map a variety of valueadded activities in our CIP teamwork with full transparency, and in particular, were able to set up valuable workshops at additional locations.

Markus Bock Head of Knowledge and Idea Management K+S AG

The challenge

Management in Germany” from the German Institute for Idea and Innovation Management. The key figures (idea rate of 1.2; 60% participation and conversion rate; first-year use at more than €6 million per year) underscore the leading role that idea management from K+S has enjoyed for years. The company wanted as many employees as possible to be included in the CIP process. The company set up each CIP area according to locational and functional criteria for groups of approximately 60–80 employees each, for which the CIP team based concrete tasks such as topic workshops and process optimization. A software solution was needed to support the entire CIP process in the best way possible.

The solution

K+S put its trust in the standard solution target Idea Management. The use of the software has gradually been extended throughout the company. At first, the focus was on data storage in the back-end system, and the use of SAP Business Warehouse software for reporting in the front end. In one enhancement, the entire workflow, from idea submission to idea completion, was mapped for all roles and Web-based. Later, an externally provided premium shop was integrated in which employees could redeem their idea points for cash or prize rewards (in the meantime, the shop is also being used by occupational health and safety). To support the transfer of ideas in the system, an IT-based idea copier was introduced that included a streamlined transparent workflow. In 2014, the CIP organization itself was integrated, with additional options such as action plans, incomplete ideas, topic workshops, and the like. The Morton Salt subsidiary in the United States and Canada has also implemented the system and the company plans to roll it out in other international locations.

he software offers us an attractive platform integrated with SAP software for our improvement process. We have an outstanding tool for analysis that helps us target measures in the continuous improvement process. target has repeatedly proven itself to be a dependable partner that listens to customer needs and includes them in its further development. CIP is an important element in our ability to compete.

Markus Bock Head of Knowledge and Idea Management K+S AG
Wissen 4/14/23

The "Beautiful five" and the Power of "One-Number" Reporting

Key figures are a perennial favorite in idea management, have been used for many years (decades) and are now very topical again. The reasons are obvious. You want to set performance benchmarks, define targets, follow up on where things are not going so well and measure the success or failure of idea management.
Produkt 4/11/23

Idea management software for use in the cloud

With our idea management tool target Idea Management (Cloud), we are expanding the functions of our on-premise solution with a hybrid cloud add-on.
Referenz

Revamped Idea Management with numerous Enhancements

In 2011, the management decided to reorganize the idea management system and give it a complete overhaul. The existing software solution was no longer up to date and had to be replaced.
Service 4/13/23

Implementing target idea management software

Take full advantage of all the benefits of target software for your idea and innovation management. We support you with the implementation.
Referenz 4/13/23

The new Idea and Innovation Management of the DDPS

The new solution is available to employees in the familiar portal and in the same design. It is very easy to use and adapted to the needs of the role holders. It was easy to move away from the old platform. The switch to the new solution is rated very positively by all roles.
News 5/15/24

target Idea Management Release SVP 11 is now available

In May 2024, we released the new SVP 11 version of our on-premise software target Idea Management.
News 11/14/19

target Symposium 2019

Our annual symposium took place on November 12 and 13, 2019. A total of 47 customers and prospects attended the event at the arthotel in Heidelberg’s old town.
News 6/17/22

The new target Idea Management Release SVP 9 is now availabl

The new SVP 9 release of our on-premise software target Idea Management offers numerous advantages. The highlight: complete workflow mapping with Fiori apps!
Produkt 4/11/23

Idea management software for local applications

Idea management software with SAP technology: Optimize your idea management for more participation and greater benefits.

Referenz 4/13/23

Modern user interface and mobile access for all employees

The user interface is based on Open UI5, an open source library for the user interface provided by SAP. The design principles are based on SAP Fiori, which ensures uniform user guidance for various software applications at Fraport.
Produkt

Software for Idea and Innovation Management for SAP

Unique software for idea and innovation management based on SAP technology; for SAP HCM and SuccessFactors; using Fiori apps
Unternehmen 8/16/23

Insights

Openness and respect characterize the corporate culture at target. We stand for open doors, open ears and honest communication.
Wissen 4/14/23

Exceptionally user-friendly thanks to SAP Fiori

The user-friendliness of an operational application determines to a large extent whether the process associated with the application is successfully used and implemented in the company. This applies in particular to idea and innovation management programs that rely on the motivation and participation of employees.
News 1/1/22

New shareholder structure at target Software Solution GmbH

Hanno Hofmann, founder of Walldorf Consulting AG, acquires all shares in target Software Solution GmbH.
Produkt 4/11/23

Campaign management software for use in the cloud

Strengthen your innovative power with target Campaign Management - our campaign management tool for your successful innovation campaign.

News 9/21/23

target Symposium 2023

On September 19 and 20, 2023, approximately 50 customers and interested parties traveled to Heidelberg and gathered at the arthotel in Heidelberg's old town for the target symposium 2023.
News 8/16/23

target Software Solution merges with Walldorf Consulting

target and Walldorf Consulting join forces—for more flexibility and less bureaucracy

News 6/2/22

target Symposium 2022

On May 31 and June 1, 2022, our symposium could finally take place again after being canceled in 2021 due to the pandemic!
Service

Training courses on how to deploy target software

Do you want to maintain the software for your idea and innovation management yourself? We will be happy to provide you with the necessary know-how in our training courses.

Service

Management consulting services

We help your idea management to take off: We provide you with comprehensive and individual advice on strategy and processes.