The way we work
The world of work is changing rapidly. Four GF colleagues share insights into their work routines, showing how new work practices not only boost efficiency and creativity, but also foster collaboration and innovation.
Digital tools are a mainstay in office environments around the world. Robotics are streamlining operations in factories, while evolving creative processes are driving innovation across industries. Amid this evolution, a new star is rising: AI. As the landscape of global business transforms, GF is at the forefront of integrating advanced technologies and innovative work styles to stay competitive and create a stimulating environment where its employees can grow and thrive.
Through the experiences of four employees across our divisions, we explore what it means to work efficiently, creatively, digitally and with connection. Their stories show how new approaches are not only improving individual performance and well-being, but are also driving our company toward a promising future.
Working Digitally
Digital pioneers – that’s how you could describe Ashley Iwamoto of GF Piping Systems and her team, who implemented a digital tool that ensures customer inquiries can be answered faster than ever before.
When a customer calls GF Piping Systems in Irvine, CA (US), with a question about an order, the most important information appears right on the screen of the sales representative on the line: the customer’s name, the product they ordered and whether they have contacted the company before. The call and notes on what is discussed during the conversation are recorded automatically into the system. “This allows us to record information and associated tasks quickly and clearly. Everything is transparent, allowing every colleague to access the information easily and offer assistance if needed,“ says Ashley Iwamoto, Inside Sales Representative at the US site.
Ashley Iwamoto
Position: Inside Sales Representative
Division: GF Piping Systems
Location: Irvine, CA (US)
Joined GF in: 2021
Steep learning curve
Ashley has been a member of the Sales Development team at GF Piping Systems for three years. Recently, the company implemented the Customer Service Workspace app for Customer Relationship Management (CRM), which included the installation of a database integrated with the phone system, enabling all sales staff to work more efficiently across the organization. “This makes us much more efficient; processes are better defined and we can respond to customers more quickly,” says Ashley. Her team was the first at GF to integrate the CRM tool into their workflow. “Our learning curve was steep as a result. This allowed us to provide feedback and ensure that the functionality was tailored to our needs.” One process in particular, Ashley says, was significantly shortened as a result. “We wanted to be able to create a case right away. Previously, we would have to create a call, open it in a separate tab and then convert it to a case. Now we can create the case directly from the call log tab, which is very helpful. We use it every day.”
Information on the go
Her team receives a lot of customer calls – whether they’re about order status, price or delivery of products. With the new application for Customer Relationship Management, these inquiries are directly integrated into a workflow process. Ashley uses it to track her open cases and handle them efficiently.
“Our culture is one of mutual support. I really like that.”
Ashley Iwamoto
“Dashboards help us see what we need to do. Whenever a customer calls, we have instant visibility, meaning we can answer questions directly and resolve issues faster. We are always able to provide information. Orders get to their destination faster, and consequently our customers give us very positive feedback.”
Ashley appreciates the fact that digitalization and innovation is making work processes at GF even smarter. However, when she needs to discuss something with colleagues, she still prefers to go to their offices rather than send an e-mail or arrange a virtual meeting. “Personal contact is important to me and it‘s also a better way to understand how everyone works together here at the site. Our culture is one of mutual support. I really like that.”
Further impressions:
Find out more about the insights of the other GF colleagues:
Spotlight | The Way We Work
Working With Connection
Connecting via digital tools makes work life easier. But for Ana Patricia Molina Villanueva, Regional Sales Manager South at GF Building Flow Solutions in Málaga (Spain), personal exchange remains the cornerstone for genuine contact and trust with customers.
Spotlight | The Way We Work
Working Efficiently
Keeping an eye on everything – that is the challenge Martin Drechsler, team leader of shipping coordination at GF Casting Solutions, sets for himself. Digital innovations help him coordinate goods more efficiently.
Spotlight | The Way We Work
Working Creatively
In her son’s room, Jing Jiao found inspiration for optimizing a complex office process in an unlikely source – a toy. Creativity keeps on inspiring the Beijing-based assistant to the Managing Director of GF Machining Solutions in her daily work.
Read the other Spotlight articles here:
Spotlight | Insider’s View
Navigating the AI wave
Artificial intelligence could support companies, and it could also help society to shape a future in which human connection will become even more important. GF CEO Andreas Müller meets AI expert Thilo Stadelmann to discuss the impact of AI technologies.
Spotlight | Your View
How innovative tools enhance work enjoyment
The new world of work offers many conveniences and innovations, from 3D printing to project management software to AI. Six colleagues share which tools make their jobs easier.
Spotlight | Infographic
Through the AI crystal ball: GF in 50 years
We asked AI to give us a glimpse into GF’s future, blending today’s knowledge with tomorrow’s possibilities. Find out the result in our infographic.