Philips 2007 Annual Report Download - page 61

Philips Annual Report 2007 67
Focus on operational excellence
Throughout 2007 we continued to focus on improving
the key business processes.
By adopting one common logistics process for equipment
and one global logistics partner for spare parts, we
dramatically improved our customer delivery performance.
We also deployed global project tools, resulting in more
predictable and efcient installation activity. Harmonizing
global order types is reducing the complexity of commercial
and industrial transactions. Finally, by beginning to consolidate
our industrial footprint, we have been able to focus on core
competencies and on integrating acquisitions.
Process improvements remain a key focus as we simplify
interfaces and gain leverage with our supply base. Initiatives
built around supplier development and collaboration
continue to yield improvements in the areas of early
supplier
involvement, accelerated time-to-market and
supplier quality performance.
necessary to incorporate the effects of respiratory
motion with 4D for the most accurate tumor targeting.
For patients undergoing treatment, this means more
targeted treatment that allows healthy tissue around
the tumor to be spared.
Women’s health
Advances in technology and medical science continue
to transform women’s healthcare, as our understanding
of screening, prevention and education evolves in parallel
to improvements in disease management.
Philips maintains its long-term commitment to introducing
innovations for every season of a woman’s health – from
adulthood through helping seniors maintain independence
later in life. Whether it is in obstetrical care, where our
technologies allow vigilant and reassuring surveillance
before, during and after pregnancy, or alerting medical
emergency services from home when needed, Philips
offers women around the globe a sense of condence
and reliability.
For breast cancer, we developed important MR technologies
in 2007 – such as the Smart Exam as well as integrated
MRI coils and the DynaCAD® Workstation – to support
optimal screening and early detection.
Customer loyalty
We use the Net Promoter Score to measure customer
loyalty. We are investing signicantly to improve our
patient-and-provider focus through products that address
the care cycle, better communication from our customer-
facing employees and improved service performance.
These initiatives are intended to increase the bond
of trust we have with our customers, a leading indicator
of purchase and repurchase behavior. In 2007, we
implemented customer-loyalty programs to better
understand how our products and services are viewed
in the marketplace.
Cultivate leadership talent
In order to support our business excellence we continued
to build the strategic leadership capabilities of our people.
It is our goal to be one of the best places to work. Therefore
we must offer energizing challenges and development
opportunities for our people to fully exploit their talent.
In 2007 we deployed employee recognition programs in
different parts of the organization. We also enhanced our
ability to recruit, develop and retain top talent, attracting
25 senior managers from outside the company.
Philips’ MRI Breast Solution is fast, easy and accurate. It enables
physicians to provide patients with the best diagnostic information
and, if needed, to perform MRI-guided biopsies, helping patients
avoid unnecessary stress.
98 Risk management 112 Our leadership 116 Report of the Supervisory Board 126 Financial Statements