LensCrafters 2011 Annual Report Download - page 103

| 27 >MANAGEMENT REPORT
general retail distribution organization. This acquisition, along with the opening of stores in
Brazil, represent the Company’s first steps to grow the Sunglass Hut brand by establishing
a wide presence in this region which the Company believes has a significant potential.
OPERATIONS
During 2011 the Operations Department continued to develop the manufacturing and
distribution organization and dedicated resources to its continuous improvement, with a
particular focus on the following areas:
• improvement of the production allocation and planning processes;
• reduction of the time required to develop, manufacture and distribute new collections;
• continuous improvement of product and process quality;
• strengthening of internal buying skills;
• anti-counterfeiting measures.
The Operations Department also launched the Lean System on a worldwide basis which
will allow the industrial organization to achieve further levels of excellence in terms of
quality, speed, flexibility and productivity.
Lastly, in 2011 the “zero accidents” system operating in all the Group’s locations produced
a further reduction in workplace accidents with the industrial complex of Agordo achieving
a record of 1,000 consecutive accident-free days.
CORPORATE SERVICES
During 2011 certain key business support functions were rationalized including Information
Systems, Financial Control, Shared Administration Services, Tax Planning, Corporate and
Legal Affairs and Treasury. Efficiencies in these support areas were primarily achieved as
a result of their integration on a global scale and the creation of a head office position in
charge of Central Corporate Functions.
The Business Development, Human Resources and Risk Management and Compliance
functions benefited from important professional investments during the year.
Lastly, 2011 saw the launch of the “Zero Waste” program aimed at promoting initiatives to
reduce the environmental cost of manufacturing and distribution activities.
MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Once again in 2011 the Group sought to improve its unique “value proposition”, making
Luxottica a great place to work with the ability for individuals to realize many differing
expectations and aspirations.
With the aim of developing clear and effective communication channels and constant
dialogue with its employees, during the year Luxottica launched “Your Voice”, an
internal satisfaction survey involving all 65,000 employees. The exceptional level of survey
participation (87% of employees) provides an extra incentive to carefully assess the
responses and define and communicate improvement plans early.