The future of KRONE production

KRONE Landmaschinen is fundamentally realigning its production—moving away from rigid workflows toward flexible processes. The big picture makes this new production logic understandable and shows how teams, material flows, and systems will interact in the future.
Visualization of material flows and production processes at KRONE.
topic
Production & processes
industry
Agricultural machinery / Agricultural technology
format
• digital big picture • large prints
area of application
• Employee communication • Understanding of production and processes • Workshops & internal coordination
Target group
• Production employees • Managers & team leaders • Process and project teams
special features
• New production concept visualized • Use directly in the factory • Close collaboration with experts • Machines illustrated in detail

Initial situation & challenge: Realigning production

KRONE is one of the leading manufacturers of agricultural machinery and develops solutions for modern agriculture – from mowers to complex harvesting systems. In order to meet future requirements, production needed to be restructured: away from rigid processes and toward more flexible, clearly defined processes. The challenge was to present this new production logic in a comprehensible way – with clear processes, roles, and material flows – and to communicate to all employees how the different areas would interact in the future. At the same time, it had to be made clear how the change would strengthen efficiency, quality, and cooperation in the plant.

The solution: a big picture for a new production logic

To make the new direction of KRONE production understandable, a big picture was developed that shows all the essential areas of the plant in a coherent visual story: material flows, production processes, roles, interfaces, and future working methods. The focus was on clearly structuring complex processes and visually explaining the transition to flexible order production. Machines, systems, and production areas were illustrated in great detail so that employees could immediately recognize and understand the changes.
From batch production to contract manufacturing: infographic of the Krone Smart Factory production line for agricultural machinery.

Individual scenes

Man operating a computer connected to a tractor and production equipment; text: PLM/PDM/AIS, operating resources warehouse.
The digital twin of the machine, a virtual representation of the real plant, is gaining importance alongside physical production. It enables the monitoring and control of the entire machine life cycle in a simulated environment, from development to optimization.
Employees work at ESD assembly benches and computers in an open-plan office.
Despite automation, people remain the key factor in successful production. The skills, knowledge, and motivation of employees are crucial for managing complex processes, driving innovation, and responding flexibly to challenges.
A man is taking a photo of a Krone BIG X forage harvester with a tablet, next to him stands a woman with a clipboard.
All employees immediately recognize how important their own contribution is to the big picture—and how all steps together lead to satisfied customers.

This is how the big picture came about

The big picture was developed in close cooperation with the KRONE project group. In several iterative steps, processes, machines, and roles were jointly specified and visually elaborated. Piece by piece, an image emerged that makes the new production logic understandable and can be directly applied in the factory.

1. Workshop & Analysis

Joint development of production processes, material flows, and roles with experts from the plant.

2. Prototyping & Iteration

Step-by-step development of image composition – with a focus on clarity, recognizability, and detailed machine illustration.

3. Voting at the plant

Regular feedback from the teams ensured that the image remained realistic and accurately reflected the new production logic.
Five gradually filling Big Picture layout stands with sketches and notes.

Effect & Results

The Big Picture quickly became a central point of reference in the plant. It helps teams understand the new production logic, facilitates coordination across departmental boundaries, and creates a common basis for discussions about process optimization and collaboration.

"Guidance on the transformation of production"

"The transformation of our production philosophy towards flexible contract manufacturing is a crucial step towards further increasing our efficiency and meeting the demands of a dynamic market. Working with Big Picture has enabled us to present this complex change in a visual and understandable way. The clear visualization of the new processes makes it easier for our employees and partners to understand the changes and actively participate in the change process. The Big Picture is a valuable tool for supporting the transition and successfully communicating the new principles."
Photo by Thomas Veismann, Managing Director of Production, Maschinenfabrik Bernard Krone GmbH & Co. KG
Thomas Veismann, Managing Director of Production, Maschinenfabrik Bernard Krone GmbH & Co. KG

Get started today—schedule your free initial consultation!

Take advantage of this opportunity to learn how a big picture can simplify and strengthen your communication in a 30-minute conversation. We look forward to hearing about your challenges.
Wolf Wienecke presents Big Picture with colorful illustrations and the text "Together we shape the future. BIG PICTURE." to three colleagues.
Frequently asked questions about
Big Pictures
What exactly is a "Big Picture"?
A Big Picture is a visual representation of complex topics such as corporate strategies, processes, or visions. It summarizes all the important information in a single, easy-to-understand graphic that clearly shows connections and processes.
For what purposes can I use a Big Picture?
Big Pictures are versatile: for internal communication (employee onboarding, strategy workshops), external communication (customer presentations, marketing), training, change management, and for visualizing complex projects.
In what formats is the Big Picture delivered?
We deliver your Big Picture in various formats: as a file for use in all digital channels, as a high-quality large print for your premises, as an animated video for presentations or online channels, and as an interactive Click Picture with info boxes for digital applications.
How long does it take to develop a Big Picture?
The duration depends on the complexity of the topic and the desired scope. After an initial consultation, we will create a detailed schedule and a transparent cost overview.
How is the Big Picture adapted to our company?
Every Big Picture is unique. We work closely with you to accurately reflect your specific content, corporate design, and corporate world. The process involves several coordination steps.
Do you also offer a free initial concept?
Yes, gladly. As part of a free initial consultation, we can also discuss the possibility of developing a non-binding initial concept for your specific topic so that you can get an idea of the possibilities.
Contact
Big Pictury GmbH
Gerhofstrasse 1-3
20354 Hamburg, Germany
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