Lee Dongsoon, the head of Amorepacific SCM Unit

#Interview

2017.06.26

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https://stories.amorepacific.com/en/lee-dongsoon-the-head-o

Interview with executive members to share the vision of leaders and promote smooth communication between teams/groups

'I work, and I'm happy.' It's one of the 10 principles of our AP Minds and that's how important it is to find happiness through our work. But, it's never easy. Yet, there is a board member who has not grown weary of filling the role of Asian Beauty Creator over the past 28 years. Here is the story of Lee Dongsoon, the head of Amorepacific SCM Unit.

Q. Great to meet you, Mr. Lee. You moved office as the head of Amorepacific SCM Unit from being the President of PACIFIC PACKAGE earlier this year. How do you feel about returning to SCM after three years?

Over the past three years, I have worked for PACIFIC PACKAGE, which is a packaging material supplier. Packaging materials produced here are the first contact between customers and Amorepacific and it is, therefore, important as how it determines the first impression of Amorepacific. But here at SCM Unit, my responsibilities extended to a broad scope of work. There are three production bases in Korea (Osan Beauty Campus, Daejeon Mass Beauty Production Division, Jincheon OSULLOC Production Base) and each in Shanghai, China and Chartres, France. Here at SCM, what I've come to realize is really the importance of empowerment. I think deeply and carefully about how empowerment can be extended. As SCM covers such a wide scope, empowerment is required in order to make decisions in a prompt and timely manner.

Q. Amorepacific made Korea's first botanical ABC Pomade in pursuit of the Quality First principle in the 1950s and it was our starting point. What does the SCM Unit do to uphold the quality management, which is a corporate-level initiative?

With the rapid growth of Amorepacific over the past few years, overall production has surged and there were SCM problems, both small and big. I think, this is a consequence of not focusing on quality, but only productivity to meet increasing demand. Now, the SCM Unit will go back to basics and start working on the principle of Quality First, focusing on improving fundamental quality. And that's also the goal of SCM Unit for this year.

Q. What does the SCM Unit do to achieve the goal of improving fundamental quality?

Firstly, we will ensure zero defects at each point of production. We have studied quality issues over the past two years and what we found was that nearly 40% were in fact caused by human error. And, as part of our improvement efforts, we are undertaking process standardization, production facilities upgrade, staff training and internal audit. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that products that don't meet assured quality standards cannot ever reach customers through a more organized system. Zero defects may sound impossible, but in my opinion, it's not good to set a goal that's too attainable in a short period of time. I believe that a good goal must keep us moving forward instead of making us stop at a certain point. That's why SCM Unit will continue to work toward zero defect production.

Secondly, we will guarantee product safety. Customers today are active in learning about product ingredients and asking questions through social media. This means that we must assure safe products free from harmful ingredients regardless of brand values or the product price. In cooperation with the R&D Unit, we are complementing and enhancing the process to make sure that every product made and purchased by Amorepacific is safe to use.

Lastly, it's neither facilities nor systems, but always humans, specifically members of an organization, that take the ultimate responsibility for production. I will, therefore, work together and communicate with other members to create a more immersive working environment and make sure that every member is happy at work.

Q. With the coming of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, many are interested in which digital technology will be grafted onto SCM and how. Could you tell us about the future of Amorepacific SCM?

I will tell you three things. First, the future for us means moving to a digital production process. Every data produced in the course of production will be kept in digital form. By measuring and collecting data, we can monitor and detect defects in the production process and make further improvements.

Second, respect for individuals at the site of production. The use of robot will help avoid human error in the non-motivational, simple, and repeated process and/or dangerous process to ensure safety at the production site. Improvement of SCM productivity will then come naturally.

Third, nurturing creative masters. Amorepacific must have world-class creative masters across all areas of the business in order to become a true Asian Beauty Creator. SCM Unit will explore, discover and nurture the best creative masters in every sphere of the beauty industry.

Q. How do you envision the future of SCM Unit?

I want every member of SCM Unit to be happy. I hope that they feel motivated and rewarded about their work, continue to grow and, in so doing, find happiness. And I'd like them to be always customer-oriented at work. There is always a conflict of interest at work and, no matter what, customers have to the basis of decision. Let's stay sensitive to the voice of the customer and to changes happening in the market, and continuously improve ourselves to strike the responsive chords of customers.

Q. You have worked for nearly 30 years. What's your philosophy toward work?

Have vigorous discussion regardless of ranks/positions and take a fast action once a decision is made. People say that you get wiser as you get older. That's because we gain more experience throughout our lives and our wisdom ultimately comes from the experience. Keep an open mind and listen to others when having a discussion. You will be able to learn things from their experience and take more informed decisions. Doing so will allow you to share the responsibilities with others who take part in the decision making process when taking an action.

Q. What's the most memorable moment after joining Amorepacific?

I had moved five times after becoming a board member. Looking back, the organization performed better when the intensity of engagement of all members was the highest. I believe that productive achievement is a consequence and expression of all members of the organization being happy and immersed in their work. The sense of working together as a team has made me feel most rewarded and happy.

Q. How do you spend your weekends and holidays?

I go hiking with my friends and play sports outside on weekends. And I go on vacation with my family at least once a year. There is a saying that you must empty yourself first to be filled. Spending time with my family and friends helps me relieve stress, empty my mind and bring comfort to each other especially in times of trouble.

Q. If there is anything you'd like to ask and/or say to members of Amorepacific, please say so.

Conflict between groups or between people at work is inevitable. Always remember that customers remain the sole basis for making decisions. Though it may cause you or your group inconvenience, you must accept and deal with it as long as it's for customers. I'd like every member of Amorepacific to keep this in mind when performing their duties.

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