COMPANY
- Automotive TIER1 supplier, global market leader in their domain / business
- Producer of classical mechanical components in the area of powertrain and chassis
SITUATION & CHALLENGES
- Company Objective: Establishment of a systematic Innovation- & Knowledge Management System
- Challenges:
- No systematic storing of “company know-how
- Missing Innovation-Processes, -Methods and –Tools
- Unstructured IP-Processes & Rules
- Market- and Customer Pressure for fast-track introduction of new products, systems and services
TARGETS
- Implementation of systematic Innovation Methods & Tools (TRIZ, QFD, DfSS, Lean Innovation, Open Innovation)
- Establishment of a Knowledge-Database („Wiki“)
- Establishment of a „Innovations-Pipeline“, continuous improvement of current product- and service portfolio
- Competitive Patent-Portfolio, 20% more patent submissions / year
- Introduction of monthly „Innovation Days“ for all employees across all functions and business areas
RESULTS & SUCCESSES
- „Lean Innovation Award“ from the WZL der RWTH Aachen in 2011
- „Bad Homburger Innovation Prize“ in 2014
- Continuous product cost reduction of annually 10% through systematic application of DtC and QFD
- Introdution of Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) before release of Innovations to the market
- Secured, ring-fenced Patent-Portfolio, increase of patent submissions of >10% / year over 4 years
