Dennis Hoffmeister

Exciting insights from IT Strategy Days MASTERCLASS SUMMIT 2024 If you were in Cologne this week, you will no doubt feel the electrifying excitement that permeates the different industry sectors. A great platform for personal exchange at the Masterclass Summit in Cologne on the following topics: - AI a new world of possibilities - IT modernization - Data Quality for business quality - IT Security reloaded - Budget versus Innovation Exciting closing keynote by Professor Miriam Müthel from WHU on "Failure for advanced". Remember, this event was designed to spark discussions, foster collaboration, and ignite innovation. Whether you’re passionate about AI, Security or inspiring discussions about IT budgets versus innovation. Thank you for 2 days of power networking and exciting discussions and impulses on all trend topics around IT. It was great to get to know so many new experts – and to meet "old" ones again." We at BT are looking forward to continuing the valuable discussions after the event. #ITStrategieTage; #CIOCommunity; #WHU; #AI; #ITsecurity; #BT; #Masterclasssummit; #DigitalIndustries; #Innovation; #BTmeansbusiness; #Manufacturing

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Coaching Increases self-awareness through mirroring, it helps one to identify strengths and improvement areas. Right questioning and enabling the coachee to identify solutions on own towards the challenges or on the improvement areas is an art of a good coach. Thank you Stefan Grosch for coaching and help me get clarity. Your statement - “ When you want to win a game you shouldn’t have fear to loose “ on how to embrace change and challenging situations was a thought provoking conversation. Our conversation on Aspirations, importance of networking, working on personal time, having diverse mentors, creating a win-win situation for organisation and self will be very valuable. Thank you coach ! LeadWorkWin #LikeABosch

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Schaeffler and Vitesco Entered Into a Merger Agreement Schaeffler and Vitesco entered into a merger agreement following the approval of their respective Supervisory Boards. The agreement sets out the legally binding terms and conditions for the merger of Vitesco Technologies Group AG into Schaeffler AG. The previously published preliminary exchange ratio of 5 to… Read the article here https://lnkd.in/gWCsZJDf . . #border #agreement #economy #finance #trade #market #business #production #economics #statistics #development #millions #manufacturing #manufacturingengineering #industria #industry #industrial #manufacturer #manufacture #industrialdesign #mexico #news #financing #businesslife

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🚛Keynote address: 30 years of brake-by-wire systems: from the origins to today’s trends🚗 Jochen Buck, Project Leader of Electronic Brake Management Software at Daimler Truck AG Truck shared insights in the first keynote address of EuroBrake 2024. Jochen highlighted that brake-by-wire has been a game-changer in the trucking industry for nearly 30 years. Introduced in 1996, brake-by-wire has enhanced safety, efficiency, and comfort for truck drivers, fleet owners, and all road users. A tragic event in 1987 spurred the introduction of brake-by-wire in trucking as a critical safety feature, and its success hinges on a robust safety concept. Electrification is key to the development of electronically controlled braking systems, and looking ahead, brake-by-wire will be crucial in enabling automated driving functions. This technology has significantly evolved alongside advancements in materials, pneumatic brake technology, software, and CPUs. Electronic braking systems on tractors and trailers have notably reduced braking distances. Thanks Jochen for your insightful presentation! #EuroBrake2024 #BrakeByWire #BrakingTechnology #Innovation #AutomotiveSafety

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This is a very interesting topic for all engineers involved in simulation and particularly the development and use of sensors. How good is good enough? How well can simulated sensors depict reality? Or rather, how well MUST they depict reality in order to be accepted? This question has quite some impact on the validation and homologation of automated driving... Join us to discuss this question together...

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How did I start my Wednesday this week, you ask? Well, we casually revved up a bike on stage – it was quite exciting and felt like something out of a racetrack – sans the asphalt; and, of course, the looks on the faces of our associates said it all – pure #passion.  This past week, we celebrated the #2WP Day together with our associates at Bosch Global Software Technologies, and there was an impressive spread of technology and people showcasing their expertise.     It was a pleasure to be part of the panel discussion on “Megatrends in 2-Wheelers” with @Geoff Liersch, Manohar Halahali, Varun Agni, Anand Dharmaraj, excellently moderated by Vineetha George – where the conversation segued from #sustainability to #digitalization and #ConsumerPreferences. With the “Invented for Life” ethos at the core of our engineering, it is absolutely crucial to balance the #RiderNeeds with the technology needs and the tectonic shifts in the market. As the #connectivity and digitalization trends evolve, #collaboration with the ecosystem is a gamechanger, and #data is absolutely vital to derive value. Answering the business model question is a key point in ensuring everyone in the value chain understands the value. It is vital to keep the #UserExperience in focus, while figuring out how different features can fit different markets. It was great to hear the OEM perspective from Varun and insights from Anand Dharmaraj who brought in his rider experience.     Kudos to the #BGSW 2WP team for pulling it off a successful event, and to all the participants for also stepping up to share their knowledge and learn from each other. Let’s understand the markets & customers, collaborate with the ecosystem, create value, and Lead, Work & Win #LikeABosch - together ✨ Bosch Global Software Technologies, Dattatri Salagame, Ashoka Kumar, Hari Sravan Kumar, @Reiner fellmeth, Vandana Gajendra, Keerthana Mohana, Sharon Jacob

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Insightful Visit: German Journalists at KIRCHHOFF Automotive 's Premier Plant. At the invitation of Arndt Kirchhoff, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the KIRCHHOFF Group, leading business journalists from Germany visited our Gliwice plant in Poland. With nearly 1000 employees, the Gliwice plant is our largest and integrates all of KIRCHHOFF Automotive 's key technologies. Arndt Kirchhoff aimed to highlight the exceptional setup of our Polish facilities and Poland's favorable business environment. For instance, the tax burden and labor costs in Poland are significantly lower. The metal and electrical industry in Poland in 2023 was 45.5% above the pre-crisis level of 2018, compared to Germany's 5.4% below. Arndt Kirchhoff emphasized the need for improving industrial location factors. Our gratitude goes to managing directors Rafał Lechowski and Paweł Cygan, and plant manager Radoslaw Zelek, for their excellent presentation of our company at this key location. #KIRCHHOFFAutomotive #MakingMobilitySafe

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Today, I participated in the OKR (Objective and Key Results) Kickoff for FORVIA HELLA Special OE. I believe that OKRs are game-changers and help to roll-out a strategy over locations and hierarchies due to the following reasons: 🎯 Clarity and Focus: Define clear, measurable objectives that inspire and challenge your team. 🚀 Alignment: Ensure everyone is working towards the same big-picture goals, fostering collaboration and synergies. 📈 Measurable Results: Track progress with key results that are specific, measurable, and time-bound. 🛠️ Agility: Adapt and pivot quickly based on real-time feedback and results. I am looking forward to our next OKR cycle. Leon Özcan, Tim Brilka: Thanks for the organization! You did great! #Leadership #OKR #TeamPerformance #GoalSetting #Innovation #Productivity

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One standout advantage ZF's OE business lends to the Aftermarket is that it gives us foresight into future automotive trends. Close collaboration with our OE engineers not only facilitates the launch of new products, but also ensures robust support for repair, maintenance, and data feedback throughout a vehicle's lifecycle.   Take, for instance, our SACHS Ride Control Continuous Damping Control (CDC) shocks. These innovative components work with vehicle sensors to preemptively assess road conditions and autonomously adjust for them. Whether encountering a curve or uneven terrain, the system anticipates and optimizes damping, enhancing tire-road contact for shorter stopping distances and a safer, more comfortable ride.   Beyond the immediate benefits for drivers and passengers, such advancements signal a broader shift towards interconnected vehicle components. This integration offers a comprehensive view of a vehicle's health to both owners and service providers, fostering a proactive approach to maintenance and diagnostics.   As CDC shocks gain traction in North America, ZF Aftermarket is swiftly expanding our product lineup to meet evolving demands. In recent months we've introduced roughly 60 new part numbers for CDC shocks, reflecting our commitment to staying at the forefront of automotive innovation in the aftermarket.   Looking ahead, expect to see a continued expansion of advanced technologies within the ZF Aftermarket portfolio. By bridging the gap between OE capabilities and aftermarket solutions, ZF Aftermarket transcends its traditional role as a parts supplier to emerge as a leading technology provider in the automotive industry.   #Aftermarket #ZFAftermarket #Automotive

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Digital Transformation is a strategic imperative …   ...but only if you want to remain competitive and relevant tomorrow 🤨   But how exactly do we at Siemens Industry master digitalization and what solutions do we already use in our factories and offer today? This is exactly what we discussed at today's #DigitalSummit in Munich.   The answer from the factory: CRISP Manufacturing™ CRISP stands for “Connectivity”, “Resilience”, “Intelligence”, “Sustainability” and “People Centricity”. CRISP Manufacturing™ is our new narrative for manufacturing and, as you may have noticed, it recently became a registered trademark 😉.   What have we achieved so far? The results 🎯 speak for themselves:   69% reduction in emissions over 53 digitization projects per year 54% increase in production over 47,000 hits to our learning content per year 44% increase in output per person   …and of course, the journey must continue. I can't wait to see how CRISP Manufacturing™ will further accelerate our digital transformation.    Are you CRISP already?   #CRISPManufacturing #Digitalization #Siemens #DigitalTransformation #SiemensXcelerator

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How does leadership influence operational excellence and innovation in a globally competitive environment such as the automotive industry? In my role at KIRCHHOFF Automotive, effective leadership is critical to driving our Polish operations towards international standards of excellence and innovation. This requires a deep understanding of local and global market requirements and leading a team capable of meeting these challenges. My leadership style focuses on fostering an environment of continuous improvement and open communication, where every team member feels valued and motivated to exceed their potential. We prioritize resilience and adaptability, preparing our teams to pivot and innovate in response to industry changes or challenges. This approach has not only improved our operational efficiency, but also cultivated a workplace where innovative ideas are born and realized, furthering our commitment to safety and quality in automotive manufacturing. What strategies do you find most effective in maintaining high standards of operational excellence in your area? Share your insights and let's explore new possibilities together. #KIRCHHOFFAutomotive #MakingMobilitySafe #Leadership

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Finally, a sequel that can keep up with part 1! 😌 I am of course referring to our second OKR (Objectives and Key Results) workshop. What hasn't changed compared to the "predecessor": the plot. The aim of the management framework is still to make our company processes more efficient, agile and targeted.   Of course, this is not possible without the commitment of everyone involved. That is why I would like to introduce you - on behalf of the Business Group Lifecycle Solutions - to a team that has taken on a leading role in our prequel: our Special Original Equipment (SOE) experts.   As you all know, the automotive industry is in a state of upheaval - it is therefore particularly important for our SOE team to respond to changing customer needs and market changes, while remaining flexible and driving innovation. This is precisely where the OKR framework should support.   In the workshop, the SOE team set clear goals and developed processes for regular review and adjustment. It makes me proud to see how everyone is working together to create strong alignment within our company - and I'm excited to see the positive impact this will have on our overall performance and success. 🤩   What is your experience with the OKR method?   #FORVIAHELLA #SOE #Automotive #OKR #Collaboration #AgileLeadership

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👋 Meet Johannes Diem Do you know Johannes? He's our Head of Business Innovation, Startup Cooperation &VC since 2021. His journey at MAHLE is a little longer. In 2006 he joined MAHLE-Behr Thermomangement as a development engineer and has been a member of our #VentureCapital team since 2014, which has since developed to the current Business Innovation team. Here he is above all responsible for our portfolio startups of MAHLE New Ventures, our venture capital business and #cooperations within our startup ecosystem. We asked him some questions. ❓ Our Business Innovation Team deals with topics related to startups at MAHLE. Are there any areas that particularly excite you about your work? Definitely! I am most enthusiastic about working with our courageous #founders. In our current portfolio startups, we have great founders and team members who are working passionately on their innovative business models and continuously adapting them to customers and the market. Supporting them and pioneering new sustainable business models with a fit to MAHLE is my main motivation. ❓ Where do you see MAHLE New Ventures in 10 years – or what would you like to see? With MAHLE New Ventures, we have created a #framework for trying out and scaling new business models. My hope for the future would be that we consistently utilize the ‘startup’ tool for the holistic development of new business models. I would like us to have 10-15 startup teams to help shape the continuous #transformation of MAHLE. ❓ In addition to venture building, we also cooperate with external startups in pilot projects within our MAHLE #PilotingProgram. What 3 things do you think make a good #collaboration with startups? Firstly, there must be an #openness to learning on both sides and a willingness to invest in each other (time and money). Then personal #trust must be earned through #performance. And finally, there must also be economic success for both sides - #businessimpact! Thank you, Johannes! 😊 Great to have you in our team and @ MAHLE New Ventures – Together we boost future business! 🚀 #MAHLENewVentures #Weboostfuturebusiness #startups #innovation #founders #businessimpact

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The coming days and weeks promise to be interesting from a didactic point of view, with the ‘Six Sigma Greenbelt’ course starting today alfatraining Bildungszentrum GmbH. Six Sigma, originally developed by Motorola in the mid-1980s, became popular in the mid-1990s when General Electric launched their initiative. Since then, it has become one of the most effective methods for improving products and processes. The core of Six Sigma is the use of improvement projects known as 'Six Sigma projects' to optimize processes and products within a company. These projects follow the DMAIC process (Define - Measure - Analyse - Improve - Control) and rely on proven tools at each step. The entire improvement project is centered on the customer's needs, and the process is standardized to ensure consistency within the company. By implementing Six Sigma principles, companies can enhance quality, reduce costs, and achieve better overall performance. #SixSigma #QualityImprovement #ContinuousLearning

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Vitesco Technologies and Schaeffler Merger On 24th April 2024 at the General Meeting the companies will most likely grant the approval of the Merger agreement as the culmination of the Tender Offer from Schaeffler that Vitesco accepted, which valued the shares of the latter at 94 EUR per share. The 3 reasons why I find this deal interesting and unique are: 1. The Bidder entered into an Acting-in-Concert agreement with 2 entities that in total hold 49.94% of the share capital and voting rights of Vitesco. 2. J.P. Morgan, Lazard and Perella Weinberg acted as Vitesco’s financial advisors for this deal and all 3 expressed in their Opinion Letters that the updated Offer Price is inadequate from the financial point of view 3. The Bidder expressed the ambition to finish the integration process by the end of the year. It will be interesting how Board Interlocks, IMO Committee consisting of the CEO, CFO and CHRO of both companies - both factors mentioned by Jeff Weirens and Mark Sirower in “The Synergy Solution” and in the publication in "Advances in Mergers and Acquisitions" journal by Olimpia Meglio, David R. King, Ph.D. and Elio Shijaku, Ph.D. on the role of social ties in addressing the information asymmetries in acquisitions will affect the integration process. Read my full article on the Merger on my Medium page: https://lnkd.in/dAXQ26TR

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❓What are the critical factors for the survival of internal start-up hubs? Amidst the challenging economic climate in the EU, their fate is under scrutiny. Reading the WirtschaftsWoche article on ZF's innovation hub closure and reduced activities of other corporate hubs like Henkel or Dr. Oetker, raised this question. Integration with its core business emerges as a key factor. 🔗The closer the tie, the higher the chances of survival. These hubs offer innovative ways to explore new market opportunities. But, poor integration can lead to ideas drifting too far from the core business or causing internal competition.💥 Scaling such ideas externally is often the only option - seeking outside investors and risk-taking employees, with results taking years to materialize. However, investors do not currently seem very keen to get into these deals. Thus, forging a closer partnership with the core business becomes crucial. Teams must balance: innovating while staying aligned with the parent's rationale. This might be the harder way for the teams. Tensions become inevitable - the objectives and ways of working are just too different.💥 To turn them into productive tensions require smart handling and the right organizational structures. As Miriam Klein (a former participant of our Executive Program) put it nicely in her article: 'Creating structures to maintain a productive partnership' In the end, it's about gaining a competitive edge from these tensions and not to lose too much energy in overcoming the hurdles. ❓What are your experiences? How can you ensure that these innovation hubs are not perceived as mere showpieces? I can highly recommend reading Miriam's complete article:

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It was great, as always, to get together with our managing partners from every continent. Also to meet with our global automotive and industrial practices. Virtual meetings are pretty darn good, but nothing takes the place of in person, face to face meetings in my humble opinion. #leadership #consulting #executivesearch #automotive #aerospace

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Automotive industry: China is booming, Germany in reverse gear With 13.2 million vehicles in H1 2023 (+ 9.8 % vs. year-on-year), China will further expand its position as the world's largest auto market. Germany 1.4 million cars in comparison. The boom in the New Electric Vehicle (NEV) is reflected in the 3.7 million e-cars sold (+ 44.5% year-on-year) in China, 28.3 % of the total market are NEVs. By comparison. Germany 299,500 (21% of total market). BYD has the goal of selling at least 3 million NEVs including hybrids in 2023, while Tesla has the goal of selling at least 2 million BEVs . With 1.4 million registered passenger cars in the first half of 2023, Germany is -25 % behind compared to 2019. Mercedes down by - 31%, VW by -23%, and BMW by -10% and Audi by -8.4% cars sold in 1-5/2023 vs. pre-Corona 2019. The only industry of world renown, the German automotive industry, is in serious trouble. What was declared a slip earlier this year with German e-cars sold on the Chinese market is solidifying. VW is left behind, and the other German brands do not matter. The great hardship is also reflected in the fact that the VW ID3 is temporarily being hawked for €15,000 in China, while it price in Germany is at least €40,000. With a current internal combustion market share of 19% in China (3.2 million VWs in 2022) compared to the current 1.7% for e-cars, this represents a massive slump. The VW plant in Emden, which is geared to the production of BEVs, is cutting shifts and extending plant vacations. As long as Chinese manufacturers have a booming domestic e-car market, export pressure to Europe and the USA will remain moderate. However, this will change massively soon, when well-equipped, qualitatively comparable E-cars of Chinese production at attractive prices meet overpriced German E-cars. German car makers are currently losing a large part of their profitable volume sales of 33%-39% (Mercedes,BMW, VW) on the Chinese market. Without an economic policy framework with competitive energy prices, slimmed-down bureaucracy, competitive taxes, also through the dismantling of the welfare state, etc., we will become a 'total economic loss'. First shift reductions, then short-time work, bankruptcy, job losses and loss of prosperity for all of us. Fight for competitive business conditions. #ecar #mercedes #vw #bmw #NEV The full article appeared in PLUS Magazine in 8-2023

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Our next event is in preparation: The VDA QMC Quality Management Symposium for the Automotive Industry, co-hosted with Continental. This expert-level event will take place on May 15-16, 2024 in Hannover and will focus on the latest trends and challenges in quality management. This year's symposium will cover a range of critical topics such as product compliance, ensuring software quality, and much more. I am honored to contribute two presentations to the rich agenda: 1) "The New Quality Manager - Our Response to Automotive Challenges" - discussing how the role of the quality manager is evolving to meet industry-specific challenges. 2) "Training Methodology - How QMC Designs Educational Programs" - Exploring our approach to creating effective education and training programs. The symposium will also feature a diverse program including a plant tour at Continental AG, workshops, presentations, breakout sessions, and opportunities for open discussion. The event will also provide a platform for high-level networking, allowing attendees to engage in in-depth discussions and make new professional connections. For those interested in the intricate dynamics of quality management in the automotive sector, this symposium promises to be an invaluable gathering of insight and expertise. Tickets are available through our VDA QMC Webshop: https://lnkd.in/dGP2zvRJ If you're planning to attend and are interested in speaking with me directly, let me know! #qualitymanagement #automotiveindustry #training

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