Page 5 - Buzz Magazine

In Sub-Saharan Africa, Saint-Gobain collaborates!
Harnessing commonalities can make a company stronger, more competitive – even untouchable.
Saint-Gobain can exploit commonalities in geographical areas, markets, segments, customers,
suppliers, name and reputation. That is why, at the end of last year, the company started looking to create opportunities through collaborative platforms.
Today, about 19 platforms work together to create pro table sales growth.
“We have to share processes and expertise among each other,” says David Anderson, General Delegate.
“Collaboration is about leveraging our strengths to grow our organisation faster, as well as focusing on growing each business unit. It is about embracing the spirit of both, rather than either, or.”
Opportunities to nd solutions
He points out: “The collaboration platforms enable us to use our combined skills, knowledge and expertise. They provide opportunities for us to solve common challenges together for the bene t of the customer.”
The platforms enable people from various functions and businesses to work together for a speci c purpose. Participants rotate according to the needs of the project at hand, providing their speci c skill sets and knowledge to meet a speci c challenge.
“The current platforms are not set in stone,” says David. “As the business evolves and we identify new challenges and opportunities, more platforms will be created. Anyone can contribute where their expertise is needed.”
Being involved in a platform does not replace your regular job, but adds to your exposure and experience across the businesses.
Read more about the successes the collaboration platforms have already achieved on the next few pages. w
COllABORATIOn
PlATFORMS AlREADy In ACTIOn
Affordable housing Commercial Contractors – key accounts
Customer experience Demand & Supply Digital & Marketing
Education Habitat forum Healthcare Hotels Infrastructure Innovation Internal Controls
Logistics (RTM) Residential
Retail – key accounts Safety
Specialist distributor – key accounts Strategic sourcing
SUMMER 2016 | BUZZ | 5