A total of 175 companies were analyzed by the University of St. Gallen within the context of worldwide benchmarking on Complexity Management. As a result of this scientific evaluation, Endress+Hauser was named one of five 'Best Practice' companies within this group. The study focused on companies that show exemplary management of the demands of a large product range and a complex internal business structure, with effective sustainable strategies at all stages of the value added process. In particular these companies demonstrate a higher than average awareness of transparency, flexibility and a high learning aptitude to ensure successful positioning in relation to competitors.
Endress+Hauser has promoted target-based complexity management through various projects and activities for many years. "One of our greatest challenges is finding effective solutions to the growing complexities at all levels of operations," states Ulrich Kaiser, Director of Technology at Endress+Hauser. "Decisive complexity management has a very direct and positive effect on the performance of a company." Despite significant growth - from about 6000 to 9500 employees over the past decade - Endress+Hauser has succeeded in keeping complexity under control, true to the motto 'managing diversity, reducing complexity'.
The objective of the award presented by the Institute for Technology Management at the Uniersity of St. Gallen (HSG) is to formulate scientifically based statements through the analysis of successful practice as well as to promote an exchange of experiences between companies in the field of complexity management. In addition to Endress+Hauser, awards were also given to the BMW Group, Munich; Dürr Systems GmbH, Bietigheim-Bissingen; Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, Heidelberg; and Procter & Gamble, Frankfurt.