Innovation Excellence

Together with NETZSCH, we conducted a validation and testing sprint with the main question: How can the technology of IoT be successfully implemented and monetized as a data-driven solution in the machinery equipment industry?

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Tasks:

• Understand the customers' pains and needs
• Design, validate, test, and build an initial Business Model based on the existing prototype.
• Implement in the market

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Benefits:

• Deep insights into customer segments
• Unbiased decision basis
• Fast decision making
• New business building

In collaboration with Vaillant, we developed a hybrid process model to support the agile implementation of development projects. Our involvement included the following tasks:

• Creation of a hybrid process model that integrates agile methods into traditional development processes.
• Analysis of current requirements across the entire innovation process.
• Evaluation of how agile approaches can be effectively incorporated into the process.
• Consideration of the unique demands of combined hardware and software development projects.
• Assumption of Agile Coach and SCRUM Master roles in various development projects to ensure successful execution.

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Key Benefits:‍

• A clearly defined classical-agile-hybrid process model, providing clarity on the roles and responsibilities at each stage.
• Revision of the necessity and design of various quality gates to streamline development efforts.
• Enhanced customer-centric focus in technological developments.
• Introduction of agile elements within the organization, enabling greater self-organization and flexibility in project execution.

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We partnered with Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen (MR) to analyze strategic future fields and position the company for long-term competitiveness in a challenging market environment. Our key actions included:

• Conducting an in-depth analysis of strategic growth areas and developing a positioning strategy for MR, taking into account the competitive landscape.
• Deriving a technology strategy to streamline and focus development efforts.
• Revising the product and technology roadmap to ensure the successful implementation of innovation projects.
• Establishing an efficient idea management process and enhancing the existing innovation process to drive effective innovation implementation.
• Developing a controlling system to monitor and evaluate the success of the innovation unit.

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Key Benefits:‍

• Ensured that development efforts are focused on the most critical future topics for Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen, strengthening its competitive edge.#
• Clear processes for managing ideas and implementing innovations.
• Continuous monitoring and improvement of the innovation system to maintain long-term success.

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In collaboration with Viega, we conducted a project to define key innovation fields, identify strategic growth areas for the company, and support the development of its current and future product and service portfolio.

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Core question: What is the current and future product and service innovation portfolio and which developments are necessary to identify growth areas inside the company?

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Tasks:

• Target Group oriented Value Proposition Approach
• Understand customer's pains and needs (validation through objective interviews)
• Define Innovation Areas for further product and service developments

Benefits:

• Deep insights into customer segments
• Systematic strategic approach
• Fit between Strategy, Market, and Customer
• Clear Innovation Areas as a Guideline

We collaborated with REHAU to design and implement a robust Technology and Innovation Management System, specifically in the polymer sector. Our work encompassed the following key activities:

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• Development and strategic guidance in establishing and evolving technology and innovation management.
• Identification of high-potential growth markets and development of a positioning strategy for REHAU in these markets.
• Creation of technology-driven initiatives through the establishment of global technology platforms aimed at targeted pre-development and innovation implementation across various Business Units.
• Support throughout the entire innovation system, including taking on specific development tasks and roles within the organizational implementation.
• Establishment of a separate innovation unit, New Ventures, in Munich to foster the development of new innovations beyond REHAU’s core business areas.

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Key Benefits:

• Clear alignment with future-proof growth fields, driving both revenue and EBIT growth.
• Focus on core competencies to deliver competitive, innovation-driven solutions.
• Launch of innovations beyond REHAU’s core operations to future-proof the business and sustain long-term growth.

In collaboration with Weidmüller, we analyzed and optimized their innovation process, ensuring its seamless integration into the product development processes of various business units. Key tasks included:
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• Analyzing the current innovation process and integrating it with the product development processes of the business units.
• Identifying inefficiencies and areas in the process with a high failure rate.
• Revising the innovation process based on insights from a benchmarking platform developed jointly with Fraunhofer IPT.
• Implementing the process improvements and documenting them in a comprehensive process manual.
• Prototyping the new process through the implementation in specific projects.
• Implementing further improvement measures to optimize performance.

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Key Benefits‍

• Improved delivery timelines and process efficiency, leading to enhanced project success and outcomes.
• Faster process execution, reducing time-to-market.
• Focused project ideas on essential growth initiatives.
• Clear description of project phases, providing clarity for all employees.
• A continuous improvement system to adapt and refine processes as needed.

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