Ampelmann | Visual Organization Structure

Collega’s en leveranciers snel uitleggen hoe de organisatie er uit ziet

Marco

Jeroen

Introduction

The reason for creating the first illustration was a new strategy and internal process for the Innovation department of Ampelmann. The objective was to help the company get everyone on the same page, ensure that all employees know their tasks, and explain how the organization functions to suppliers. An illustration is the perfect tool to help communicate clearly. It provides an overview while allowing for a deep dive into details.

How does an organization illustration arise?

We began by asking broad questions about the topic, including the reasons for changes, desired effects, and focus. We took all this information and created a first draft that translated into a visual representation of the concepts. We focused on the essential elements, keeping in mind the target audience and users, to create a comprehensive yet straightforward picture.

Ampelmann Innovations - illustration use

The Innovations illustration is used to explain the development process from ideas to products. By outlining the sequential and parallel steps, communication becomes more manageable. On the top left, knowledge institutions such as universities, companies, and exhibitions provide input, for instance new developments. The knowledge is continuously collected to develop new products and improve existing ones. The top of the image shows the Ampelmann working field, where experiences, questions, and ideas flow into Ampelmann. The development process runs from the bottom left to the top right. The steps taken in this process are sequential, simultaneous, or cyclical, ensuring that all stages are followed, including coordination with other departments or between stages. This streamlined process accelerates innovation.

Illustration 2.0

The beauty of such visual is that individual components can be taken out and used for other communication. You can also easily add or modify elements. In the example shown, the entire bottom right section was later added to highlight experimentation and testing, both crucial parts of the development process.

“This illustration works very well to quickly explain to customers, colleagues, and suppliers what our innovation organization looks like.”

But it is also the perfect tool for maintaining clarity in roles and tasks within the team,” says Willem Mayer, Manager Production @ Ampelmann

And the rest of the organization?!

Usually, a visual illustration for one department is useful for another department as well. Precisely because of the overview it provides. A family of visuals can be created, with one for each department. The Maintenance department, a vital part of servicing Ampelmann's products, has its own visual. It was created by outlining the department's various components on whiteboards and exploring how each operates, which roles are needed, and who interacts with whom.

In multiple sessions, we eventually arrived at the end illustration below. It outlines the roles and tasks in detail, including contact points that show where roles converge and rely on each other. Thus, an effective organization is created, and everyone knows what is expected of them.

Curious about our services?

Click here