Siemens

I began a continuous improvement project to increase worker productivity by creating a new device to more effectively measure the torque of tools used in the warehouse. This included laying out requirements, then designing and building a functioning prototype in German that a German worker could use.

Challenge

When I arrived in Germany I did not speak any German. After learning as much as I could and studying hard every day, two months into my work term I was able to sit down with a worker who spoke only German, explain the new process to him, and get his feedback.

Result

The prototype was significantly more effective than the tool system Siemens had in place. With the code and the printed circuit board I designed, by the time I left for Canada Siemens was ready to start building a production version of the project.