A Simple Idea That Saved IDR 7 Billion: What We Can Learn About Innovation
Kendrick Filbert
Product and Social Enthusiast | Crafting Tech Solutions that Drive User Engagement & Social Impact | Lifelong Learner with a Passion for Innovation
A few weeks ago, I joined a sharing session led by the CEO of a well-known manufacturing company. During the session, the CEO shared an inspiring story about innovation within his team. In one of their internal workshops, he encouraged all employees—regardless of their role or position—to suggest ideas that could improve the company.
Among the many ideas shared, one stood out for its simplicity yet huge impact. It came from a factory operator earning minimum wage. His idea? Change the expiration date format on products from four digits to two—for example, from 03.04.2015 to 03.04.15.
It was a small, easy-to-implement change, but the results were incredible. By reducing two digits in the date format, the company saved ink, reduced production time, cut down on ink cartridge usage, and lowered shipping costs for the ink. The overall impact? The company saved IDR 7 billion every year.
This simple idea changed everything.
Hearing this story got me thinking: what can be achieved with IDR 7 billion saved every year? This isn’t just about saving money; it’s about creating opportunities to:
But more importantly, it made me reflect: What kind of impact have we made in our workplaces or communities? If someone earning minimum wage can come up with an idea worth 1,000 times their salary, what about us? Are we actively seeking ways to contribute, or are we just going through the motions?
Imagine if everyone in your organization could create ideas with significant impact. The results wouldn’t just benefit the organization—they’d also elevate us as contributors and innovators.
How to Start Generating Simple but Powerful Ideas
Big changes don’t always start with complex strategies. Often, they’re born out of small, practical insights that solve everyday problems. Here’s how you can begin uncovering those opportunities:
1. Brainstorming as a Team
Start by gathering your team for a brainstorming session where everyone’s input is valued, regardless of their role or expertise.
Example: In a sales team, someone suggested simplifying the client proposal template by turning paragraphs into bullet points. The change shortened proposal preparation time by 30% and made it easier for clients to read.
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2. Reframe the Problem
Look at challenges from a fresh perspective. Ask different questions to unlock creative solutions.
Example: Instead of asking, “How can I reduce the time spent on emails?” reframe it to “How can I ensure quicker responses from my team?” This might lead you to introduce communication templates or shift some discussions to instant messaging platforms.
3. Visualize with Mind Mapping
Use mind maps to connect related ideas and identify untapped opportunities in your workflow.
Example: If you're responsible for onboarding new hires, start a mind map focusing on "Improving Onboarding." Sub-ideas could include:
Mind mapping helps you see the bigger picture and pinpoint simple, actionable ideas.
4. Test Your Ideas with Prototyping
Before committing to large-scale implementation, test your ideas in a small, controlled way.
Example: If your idea is to replace weekly meetings with asynchronous updates, try it for one month with a small team. Evaluate the results before rolling it out to the entire department.
Generating impactful ideas doesn’t require complicated tools or frameworks. Start small, observe your daily routine, and dare to make suggestions.
As this story reminds us, even the simplest changes can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
So, what simple idea can you implement today to make a lasting impact at work?