She hadn’t originally planned to stay this long. Christina been working at Pepperl+Fuchs corporate headquarters in Mannheim for over 35 years now. Lowering product design costs, improving development and production processes, while keeping an eye on product quality – that’s what her job as a design-to-cost expert is all about.
Hello, Christina. You’re a design-to-cost expert at Pepperl+Fuchs What exactly does that involve?
Christina: My job in the Radar and Ultrasonic Sensors Innovation Unit (IU) consists of analyzing our product range and identifying development and production processes and materials that drive costs. One of the key questions in my work is always: What we can improve? Where can we cut costs? We also have to keep in mind that some of the Pepperl+Fuchs production sites around the world have different processes for producing sensors. That means that the same tasks are sometimes handled differently. In my job, I look at all of the products involved in radar and ultrasonic sensors and come up with solutions to reduce costs and optimize product design for our worldwide production sites.
In-depth specialist knowledge as a design-to-cost-expert
Can you give a specific example?
Christina: One improvement we made concerning materials is the use of uniform adhesives in the production process. Some production sites were using different adhesives, including different methods of application. I analyzed the adhesives to find out which of them have lower drying times and are also cost-effective to use. Based on these findings and the tests performed on selected products afterward, the use of adhesives was subsequently standardized and, as a result, the production process was optimized.
What characteristics should people have if they want this job?
Christina: People need sound, in-depth expertise to do the job. I don’t mean just expertise about individual products, but know-how about all of our development and production processes. Only someone who has years of experience in these areas knows what is needed to improve existing products and processes or create new ones. You have to have already experienced the processes and challenges, together with all of their facets, to really be able to improve things. An analytical mindset, a keen sense of costs, and an understanding of materials, numbers, and design are also important.
“I actually only wanted to stay for a short time, but I haven’t had the feeling of having to leave here yet.”
Christina, design-to-cost-expert at Pepperl+Fuchs
You’ve been at Pepperl+Fuchs for 35 years now…
Christina: Yes, it’s unbelievable how time flies. I grew up here on Schönau in Mannheim, and Pepperl+Fuchs was present as a company for me from the start. I started working at the age of 18 and had previously completed a craft apprenticeship. I actually only wanted to stay for a short time, but I haven’t had the feeling of having to leave here yet. I enjoy the tasks a lot, I can be creative and I have very nice colleagues around me.
Do you have any advice for colleagues who are new to Pepperl+Fuchs?
Christina: Absolutely! Please don’t be afraid of new things. With us, as a new colleague, you are given a godfather. And if questions or topics arise outside of your own area…don’t be shy! You can ask us anywhere without reservation. Everyone is friendly and supportive.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Christina: Music is what makes me relax. I sing as a soloist. There’s nothing better than music for me – I’ve always had a passion for it. When I sing, I feel a deep sense of inner connection. When I’m performing and look out at the audience and see tears in people’s eyes, it’s a really special moment. Those moments mean everything to me, because they show just how deeply music can touch people.
Profile
Name: Christina
Occupation: Design to Cost Expert
Especially important to her: Health and good times with her family
Motto: Nothing is impossible
Her greatest strength: Perseverance
She could not do without: Freedom and food
