Interview HCM (matt jeff,surya,vicko,alfin)

Summary

This interview with a business manager at Susuk, a company established in 2006 specializing in baby diapers, offers insight into their operations, employee management, and strategies for growth. The company has expanded to nearly all of Indonesia and has begun small-scale exports. The discussion covers recruitment, employee training, quality control, and the company's approach to handling challenges like product defects and market competition. Key advice for new entrepreneurs includes persistence and adaptability in the face of failure. The interview also touches on adapting to technological changes and setting growth targets to ensure long-term sustainability.

Takeaways

• 😀 Susuk started its business in 2006, focusing on the baby diaper industry and has expanded its distribution across almost all of Indonesia.
• 😀 The company currently employs around 200 people and has started small-scale export operations.
• 😀 Complaints about defective products are handled by replacing them through the distributor, ensuring customer satisfaction.
• 😀 Operational challenges like supplier issues or equipment malfunctions are addressed through experience and trial and error.
• 😀 Quality control is conducted through random checks, and defective products are held and rectified to maintain standards.
• 😀 Recruitment at Susuk is done through job boards like JobStreet and LinkedIn, with some staff referrals enhancing the hiring process.
• 😀 New employees are trained by senior staff, while external training programs are available to help staff grow professionally.
• 😀 Employee motivation is fostered through career development opportunities, a positive work environment, and alignment with company goals.
• 😀 Competition in the market is handled through trial and error, with the company not always following market trends but instead creating its own strategies.
• 😀 Susuk has clear growth targets and focuses on expanding sales to keep up with rising costs, especially in labor and operational expenses.
• 😀 In response to technological changes, Susuk utilizes digital tools and online resources to stay informed and adapt to new business trends.

Q & A

When did the company start its operations?

The company began its operations in 2006.

What industry does the company operate in?

The company operates in the baby diaper industry.

How many employees does the company currently have?

The company has approximately 200 employees.

What distribution channels does the company use?

The company distributes its products both offline and online, reaching almost all of Indonesia.

Does the company engage in export activities?

Yes, the company has started small-scale export activities.

How does the company handle product defects or customer complaints?

When a defect is found, the company exchanges the defective product through the distributor, either in-store or directly to the customer.

What are some common operational challenges the company faces?

Common challenges include issues with suppliers providing subpar materials or production settings that aren't perfect, though the company handles these issues effectively due to its experience.

How does the company ensure product quality control?

The company conducts random quality checks on products during production, with defective products being held for further inspection.

How does the company recruit new employees?

The company recruits employees through online job platforms like LinkedIn and JobStreet, and also relies on recommendations from current employees.

What training programs are available for employees?

New employees are trained by senior staff, especially in sales. Additionally, external training programs, such as workshops or industry-specific training, are offered.