Cannon Connectors Europe has been working on a number of different projects for several years, all of which came together over the last year to make a significant difference. Faced with very challenging market conditions, they realized that had to dramatically change the way they served their customers. It was not just a question of improving customer service, it was a question of survival. The VBSS projects that they undertook include a Kan-Ban pull system, reduced set-up times, increased availability of vendor-supplied parts and a new home-grown order entry process that not only allows them to enter real-time orders directly to the floor, but also allows customers to confirm availability and delivery. CCE accomplished this in a very short period of time with a minimal investment. This was not a major IT activity. Combined, these projects have enabled this operation to reduce average lead times from five weeks to five days. The order entry process went from a multiple-day process to 500 seconds. In addition, this process is now being rolled out to other sites and I think it has applications in many sites across ITT Industries. These improvements have made a difference in their order input. It's made a difference to their sales position and their competitive position in an extremely tough market. And they aren't stopping there. For 2003, CCE plans to reduce lead time from 5 days to 2 days. I think they can get there. Return to 2003 Chairman's Awards.			CCE President Nick Hill (r.) and Cannon President Gerry Gendron accept the Chairman's Award on behalf of Cannon Connectors Europe.