Evaluation and optimization of the production chain in a construction company

Joben Group (2024)

1. Context

Grupo Joben is a Mexican family business with more than 50 years of experience, recognized for its innovation in concrete design and its collaboration with some of the country's leading architects. As part of its expansion process, the company hired Otrera Consultores to conduct a comprehensive analysis of its production chain in order to identify inefficiencies and design strategies to increase the productivity and profitability of its operations.

2. Objective

The main objective of the project was to map and optimize the production process from the acquisition of raw materials to the delivery of the final product. This included analyzing the efficient use of three industrial machines operated by approximately 30 workers, and the roles of 10 members of the administrative team responsible for logistics and sales. The study focused on four areas for improvement:

• Efficiency in the use of machinery.

• Labor productivity.

• Pricing strategy.

• Automation of the sales system.

3. Methodology

The Otrera team applied a quantitative methodology of temporal and process analysis, which included direct observations at the plant and interviews with operational and administrative staff over several months.

• A timed analysis of each phase of the production process was carried out to identify bottlenecks and measure operating times.

• A market analysis of concrete products was carried out in order to propose a differentiated pricing strategy based on the complexity and added value of the product.

• A commercial automation strategy was designed and implemented, including a cloud-based system for generating quotes and an automated mechanism for searching for potential customers through web scraping.

4.Results

The project generated substantial improvements in Grupo Joben's operational and commercial efficiency:

• A critical bottleneck in the production line was identified and resolved, increasing productivity by up to 80% for certain products.

• Automated monitoring sensors were implemented for continuous tracking of machinery performance.

• The work shift schedule was redesigned, achieving a 50% increase in production capacity.

• An asymmetric pricing model based on product sophistication was proposed, allowing for diversification of the offering and serving different market segments.

• An automated cloud-based quotation system and a digital prospecting strategy were developed and integrated to expand the customer base.

5. Impact

Otrera's support enabled Grupo Joben to strengthen its competitiveness and operational efficiency, laying the foundations for sustained growth. The tools implemented—both in production and sales—consolidated a process of continuous improvement and internal digitization, aligned with the best industrial and commercial management practices in the construction sector.