Henkel’s Digital Transformation on AWS Cloud with HCL Volt MX
What we achieved
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15
Applications
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3000
active users
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10,000
data points captured daily
To who
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Industry Manufacturing
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Products: HCL Volt MX
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Region DACH/Germany/Global
Overview
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Part 1
Challenge
Henkel needed to digitize its entire supply chain, eliminating paper, simplifying workflows, and building a unified system for analyzing real-time shop floor data.
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Part 2
Solution
Volt MX’s dual functionalities, Foundry and Iris, allowed Henkel to tackle data integration, user experience, and multi-experience development seamlessly.
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Part 3
Results
A versatile, agile ecosystem enabled Henkel’s workforce to access applications from any device, be it a phone, tablet, or touchscreen, making it ideal for shop floor use.
The Challenge
As part of Henkel’s comprehensive digital transformation strategy and its Vision 2020 initiative, which focused on establishing a robust ‘digital backbone’ for the company, they embarked on creating a “Connected Worker” ecosystem. This strategic move was aimed at the full digitization of its supply chain. The objective of this key initiative was to improve both employee and supply chain experiences.
Henkel’s goal was clear: to eliminate paper-based processes, simplify workflows, and build a unified system for capturing and analyzing real-time shop floor data, thereby making its IT systems smarter and more integrated.
The Solution
Henkel identified HCL Volt MX as the ideal development platform for its Connected Worker program. Volt MX is offered with flexible deployment options, including a Cloud Managed Infrastructure (where HCLSoftware hosts and manages the environment) and an on-premise model (where the customer hosts and manages it themselves.) Henkel opted for the HCLSoftware managed infrastructure, meaning their Volt MX platform is deployed and expertly managed by us within our managed AWS (Amazon Web Services) cloud. This environment provides Henkel with a resilient and efficient foundation for their critical applications. Also, their SQL Server database instances, which support Henkel’s applications, are also hosted on AWS and managed by HCLSoftware, leading to a cohesive ecosystem.
HCL Volt MX’s dual functionalities, Foundry and Iris, allowed Henkel to tackle data integration, user experience, and multi-experience development seamlessly. Foundry’s middleware capabilities enabled integration with various systems, including web services, MES, IoT, and SAP, while Iris empowered Henkel’s team to develop both mobile and web apps from a single codebase.
A core principle for Henkel was prioritizing people and incorporating user feedback throughout the development process. This human-centric approach ensured the digital tools created were valuable and user-friendly. The Volt MX platform’s ease of integration into Henkel’s existing IT infrastructure was also a significant advantage.
This approach empowered Henkel to create a connected worker ecosystem, fostering a more productive and efficient shop floor environment.
The Results
Adoption and Usage Growth
A pilot with 10 applications and seven users turned into mass global deployment. Today, Henkel uses 15 apps for 3,000 running users on 500 shared iPads across all plants worldwide. This increase reinforces the utility and value of the "Connected Worker" solution integrated into the everyday operations at Henkel. The sharp rise in adoption is proof of program success in meeting the needs of the workforce and fitting in well with different shop floor environments.
Better Operational Efficiency and Productivity
The use of solutions like QControl for product quality assurance and Cetrelining for production line optimization have made Henkel's processes more streamlined. By digitizing paper-based manual processes, the "Connected Worker" idea eliminated inefficiencies and reduced the potential for errors. This transformation directly contributes to increased productivity and operational excellence in their various plants.
Empowered and Engaged Workforce
Henkel's digitalization is not only the adoption of new technologies, but also directly engages and empowers its employees. By adopting an agile development cycle incorporating feedback from workers at every step, right from testing to ongoing improvement, they’ve created a user-focused system meeting the needs of their workers. An approach such as this creates a feeling of ownership among workers and encourages them to become active participants in the ongoing development of the "Connected Worker" system.
Henkel's future strategy involves continuous improvement and expansion. Plans include creating more connections to existing services and data sources, as well as broadening the scope of the Connected Worker mobile applications.
Henkel’s Digital Transformation Journey with HCL Volt MX
About the company
Henkel was founded in 1876 and holds prominent market positions worldwide in both industrial and consumer sectors. Its Consumer Brands division dominates laundry and home care and hair care segments across numerous global markets and categories. Its extensive product portfolio includes laundry detergents, household cleaners, hair styling, coloring, and care products. Henkel's strategic framework revolves around innovation, sustainability, and digitalization, fostering a collaborative culture and empowering its workforce. In 2023, the company reported sales nearing 22 billion euros and an operating profit of 2.6 billion euros. With approximately 48,000 employees globally, 83% of whom work outside of Germany, Henkel stands as a formidable force in both consumer and industrial realms.
To learn more about Henkel’s digital transformation journey and see what our Volt MX platform can do, watch the full video
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