Ralf Wrana
Ralf Wrana
B.S. EE, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Lean Master
Languages
As a Consulting Partner at AMSAXUM, Ralf specializes in orchestrating end-to-end business and manufacturing transformations to enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainable growth.
Previously, as Group Director of Continuous Improvement at SIMS Limited, he spearheaded global Lean strategies across 40 plants, delivering $60 million in productivity gains. He also led initiatives in supply chain optimization, cash flow enhancement, and sales force effectiveness, achieving significant savings and operational improvements.
At S&P Global, he directed Lean implementations, trained over 400 executives and project managers, and delivered $40 million in productivity gains while embedding a culture of continuous improvement.
Ralf holds certifications as a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt (Linde), Lean Master (Avaya), and Six Sigma Black Belt (Honeywell, Kodak), reflecting his deep expertise in process methodologies. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Applied Sciences, Regensburg, Germany, and completed the Executive Leadership Program at Oxford University.
Bilingual in English and German, Ralf brings a unique perspective to digitization, operational risk management, and process optimization, helping organizations achieve transformational success through measurable outcomes.
Manufacturing
6+ Years of Experience
Plastics & Mold Making
At Eastman Kodak, Ralf led large-scale operational excellence programs to optimize polyester extrusion (PET) processes for film production and enhance plastic injection molding workflows. His initiatives significantly improved efficiency, product quality, and production rates while reducing waste. By implementing strategic Design of Experiments (DOE) across key variables such as temperature, pressure, injection speed, cooling time, and material properties, he achieved precise process optimization. These efforts enabled Kodak to meet high-volume demands with greater consistency and cost-effectiveness, reinforcing the company’s commitment to quality and operational excellence.
Automotive
At Linde Material Handling in Germany, Ralf optimized high-volume production line processes for industrial vehicles, including forklifts and trucks. By implementing SMED (Single Minute Exchange of Dies), he significantly reduced changeover times, while enhancing JIT (Just in Time) performance with Tier 1 suppliers to streamline supply chain efficiency. Additionally, he established SPC (Statistical Process Control) to ensure consistent product quality and process reliability.
These targeted improvements led to a substantial increase in operational efficiency, on-time delivery rates surpassing 95%, and significant cost savings. Ralf’s expertise in lean manufacturing and process optimization reinforced Linde’s position as a leader in industrial vehicle production.
Aerospace
Ralf led the lean production transformation at Honeywell Aerospace for MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) based Inertial Navigation Systems. By deploying automated robotics systems, integrating Industry 4.0 digital technologies, and implementing lean manufacturing principles, he streamlined workflows and eliminated bottlenecks. These initiatives resulted in a 30% reduction in production time, a 20% increase in throughput, and significant improvements in product quality. His strategic approach to process optimization reinforced Honeywell’s capability to meet the demanding standards of aerospace manufacturing while enhancing overall efficiency and performance.
Chemicals
At Linde Americas, Ralf led the Lean Sigma transformation across Industrial, Specialty, and Medical Gases, optimizing production, supply chain, and transportation processes. His initiatives drove substantial cost savings, streamlined operations, and ensured strict regulatory compliance. As a result, he significantly reduced operational costs, enhanced supply chain efficiency, and achieved a 98% on-time delivery rate. His ability to implement data-driven improvements and drive operational excellence reinforced Linde’s leadership in the industrial gas sector.
Machinery & Equipment
At Linde Engineering, Ralf optimized production processes for Cryogenic Tanks, Vessels, and Heat Exchangers by streamlining end-to-end workflows across key manufacturing plants in Germany and Sweden. Through the implementation of Lean production principles and Six Sigma quality standards, he enhanced efficiency and product quality. These improvements significantly reduced delivery lead times, ensuring the timely commissioning of large-scale Chemical Plants. His expertise in process optimization and operational excellence played a crucial role in meeting critical project deadlines and maintaining Linde’s industry leadership.
Other Manufacturing
At Sims Metal Management UK, Ralf led a comprehensive supply chain transformation, optimizing operations across key suppliers, metal processing centers, and vessel logistic hubs throughout Europe.
His strategic initiatives significantly improved OTIF (on-time-in-full) delivery and product quality, securing a billion-dollar UK export market for the leading Turkish steel producer, Habas. By enhancing efficiency and reliability across the supply chain, he ensured seamless delivery of high-quality products, reinforcing Sims’ competitive position in the global metals market.
His leadership in supply chain optimization showcased his ability to drive strategic and operational excellence at scale.
Service/Transactional
10+ Years of Experience
Financial Services
At S&P Ratings, a division of S&P Global, Ralf spearheaded the implementation of a Lean Management System, driving transformative process improvements across business units. By integrating visual management systems and leading targeted Kaizen events identified through Hoshin Planning sessions with the executive leadership team, he optimized the ratings release process, significantly enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and quality.
These initiatives led to a 25% reduction in turnaround times, eliminated rework, and improved customer satisfaction by accelerating ratings release lead times. His expertise in workflow optimization, bottleneck elimination, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement delivered substantial operational gains and strategic success.
Healthcare
At Eastman Kodak’s Medical Imaging Division, in collaboration with GE Healthcare, Ralf streamlined clinical diagnostic processes for computed and digital radiography in hospitals, enhancing patient experiences and operational efficiency. By integrating hospital patient flow simulations, he redefined product requirement criteria, accelerating product development for the Dry View Laser Imaging Market. His strategic approach not only improved diagnostic accuracy but also reduced turnaround times, ensuring faster and more reliable medical imaging solutions.
At Linde Gas, Ralf optimized manufacturing and distribution processes for pharmaceutical and specialty gases, ensuring compliance while improving service to healthcare clients. His initiatives enhanced efficiency, reduced costs, and contributed to better patient outcomes, underscoring his expertise in driving innovation in medical and healthcare-related industries.
Education
Ralf has trained over 1,000 employees in Lean Six Sigma methodologies and facilitated more than 200 Kaizen events across multiple industries. His in-depth training programs covered a wide range of critical process improvement techniques, including Hoshin Planning, Value Stream Analysis, A3 problem-solving, and the identification and elimination of the 8 Wastes. He also provided hands-on coaching in SMED, Visual Management, OEE, TPM, 5S, Mistake Proofing, Standard Work, and 8D methodologies. By embedding these principles into daily operations, Ralf not only enhanced operational efficiency but also fostered a culture of continuous improvement.
Other Service Sectors
At Sims Limited, Ralf played a pivotal role in driving the company’s strategic transformation by leading Strategy Planning Sessions with the Executive Leadership team using Hoshin Planning. Through these sessions, Ralf helped define breakthrough objectives and led large-scale global initiatives to improve the company’s operations. Notable accomplishments include enhancing cash flow by restructuring and streamlining the Global Trade organizations at the Singapore and New York hubs, which resulted in a 12-day reduction in Days Sales Outstanding (DSO). This improvement had a significant impact on cash flow across the organization. Additionally, Ralf developed and executed a new sales and marketing strategy that led to an 8% annual increase in targeted customer acquisitions. This initiative involved designing and implementing a customized CRM system, establishing a national accounts team, and redesigning sales incentive processes. Ralf’s strategic leadership and successful implementation of these initiatives drove significant improvements in key performance metrics and operational efficiency.
Energy & Natural Resources
6+ Years of Experience
Metal & Mining
At SIMS Metal Management, Ralf led a team of eight Global CI Leaders and executed comprehensive, end-to-end value stream assessments across 40 global manufacturing plants. He successfully launched over 100 plant-level Kaizen events and trained more than 300 employees in lean manufacturing best practices, including VSM, 5S, JIT, Visual Management, TPM, and 8D.
These initiatives drove significant productivity and operational efficiency gains, leading to a doubling of inventory turnover. The improvements in overall plant performance resulted in the delivery of the highest quality products and services to major US steelmakers such as Nucor, ensuring customer satisfaction and fostering strong industry relationships.
Oil & Gas
At Linde, the world’s largest industrial gas company, Ralf spearheaded the deployment of continuous improvement and Lean Six Sigma practices across North America, South America, and Linde Engineering in Germany. By integrating Lean Six Sigma principles into every facet of the business, he achieved substantial productivity improvements. His initiatives led to significant performance enhancements and cost savings, demonstrating his ability to drive operational excellence and boost business efficiency on a global scale. Ralf’s leadership not only enhanced operational performance but also fostered a culture of continuous improvement across diverse, international teams.
Utilities & Renewables
At Sims Lifecycle Services (SLS), Ralf developed advanced clean room production processes for IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) and e-waste recycling, with a strong focus on data security, maximum IT value recovery, global compliance, and sustainable IT practices.
His innovative approach gave SLS a competitive edge, enabling the company to secure substantial market share with high-profile clients such as Amazon and Google. Ralf’s contributions played a pivotal role in enhancing operational efficiency, ensuring strict compliance, and promoting sustainability in IT asset management, ultimately delivering exceptional value to both SLS and its clients. His strategic vision solidified SLS’s position as a leader in the industry, driving long-term growth and environmental responsibility.
Technology
10+ Years of Experience
Software Development
With over ten years of experience in developing and implementing complex software solutions using Agile and Lean methodologies, Ralf brings unparalleled expertise across diverse industries. He has led targeted IT system and change management transformations, delivering tailored solutions to meet complex business needs.
At SIMS Limited, Ralf collaborated with external software development contractors to create a customized low-code CRM solution using OutSystems, guiding the project from prototype to release. He also led the company-wide rollout across business units in North America and Australia, using Agile principles.
At Honeywell, Ralf designed and implemented customized robotics system software to automate and monitor production processes for navigation systems, including applications for Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM), ensuring precision and efficiency for military operations.
At Fourgen, Ralf developed flexible business accounting software and ERP solutions tailored to meet the needs of medium-sized clients.
Telecommunications
Ralf brings extensive experience in the telecommunications industry, specializing in optimizing product development and release processes for complex electronic, RF, and digital DSP systems.
At Avaya, he refined high-volume production processes, optimizing SMT (surface mount technology), assembly, and automated testing methods. His successful collaborations with key OEMs like Wistron and Flextronics in both the US and China streamlined the end-to-end production process, maximizing Manufacturing Value Add (MVA) and reducing costs.
Ralf’s expertise in both product development and production optimization has consistently driven efficiency and cost-effectiveness in telecommunications manufacturing.
Hardware
At Avaya, Ralf streamlined global manufacturing operations for IP Phones and Routers at key facilities in China and the US. He optimized SMT processes using Kanban replenishment, automated visual inspection, and electronic circuit testing, while implementing lean production cells to improve Manufacturing Value Add (MVA), enhance end-of-line (EOL) quality, and reduce costs.
At Metawave, Ralf led product development by applying lean principles and Design for Manufacturability (DFMA). Within two years, he successfully shipped four product lines of smart antenna arrays under budget and ahead of schedule, driving industry-leading cell phone call rate capacities.
At EBI Sensors (acquired by GE Healthcare), Ralf developed an advanced handheld biometrics sensor system funded by DARPA. This cutting-edge project focused on detecting biomolecular interactions and analyzing ligand binding behavior, showcasing his expertise in biotechnology and advanced sensor technologies.