Technology management

Result

The company received a detailed analysis model that can be used to analyze and track the measures that have been implemented. Based on the statistical evaluation of our hypotheses, we were able to demonstrate that some of the strategic and organizational innovations that were implemented led to a visible increase in outperformance. The company is now using these findings for the future development and review of its strategy.

Approach

1. The company's strategy and business model are analyzed to identify the key success factors.
2. Hypotheses about possible synergies and their positive effect on outperformance are derived.
3. These hypotheses are validated by quantitative analyses using key figures from a long-term database.
4. Correlation analyses are used to demonstrate how the measures contribute positively to superiority. We document the results in case studies to develop qualitative starting points for a data-based management concept.

Result

We developed a customized technology radar for the customer for pre-production development and implemented it in a software tool. The customer also received an overview of relevant innovations and existing technologies in two and three fields of application, respectively. As part of the continuous monitoring, we provided the customer with a quarterly management summary.

Approach

1. Together with the customer, we defined the purpose and applications of technology monitoring with the aim of setting up a concept for a customized technology radar for the company.
2. On this basis, evaluation criteria for technologies are derived based on the strategic corporate goals.
3. In technology scouting, we identify and evaluate relevant technologies – in the context of the digitized production of electric machines.
4. The results are presented to the customer quarterly in a management summary and entered the digital tool of the technology radar for follow-up.

Result

We provided the customer with a comprehensive analysis of the corporate environment, focusing on core industries, competitors, and customers. Based on the prioritization of selected innovation fields, we developed recommendations for action to operationalize the innovation strategy. In this way, we were able to fill the innovation roadmaps of the various development organizations with content.  

Approach

1. In the first step, we analyze the new group and business strategy for the core process of “innovation”: existing competencies, technology fields, and innovation projects, as well as the company's strengths and weaknesses profile. 
2. Based on an analysis of the core industries, competitors, and potential disruption risks, we derive fields of innovation and develop innovation potential.
3. Fields of innovation are prioritized based on qualitative evaluation criteria.
4. Finally, the innovation projects are operationalized, and the responsibilities of the company's various development organizations are set out in a roadmap.

Result

The customer was provided with a turnkey technology management process. The pilot project also involved developing the technology strategy and roadmap, as well as identifying core competencies and strategic search areas for early technology detection.

Approach

1. The process landscape is mapped and the requirements for technology management are recorded.
2. In a workshop, we work with the company to design a technology management concept. 
3. A series of collaborative workshops follows. Process steps are defined, methods and tools are selected, and responsibilities are assigned.
4. The process is piloted at the customer's site, where it is run through under guidance and filled with company-specific content.
5. The process is further developed based on the insights gained, and a plan for global rollout is proposed.

Result

Based on a comprehensive overview of recycling technologies and process chains, we were able to provide the client with detailed profiles of selected technologies for specified process chains. We also developed quantified roadmaps for the implementation of these individual process chains.

Approach

1. In the first step, we gained an overview for ourselves and the company: the status quo of battery sales, battery demand, life cycle, possible battery compositions, and the legal framework. 
2. We then analyzed and evaluated dominant recycling technologies and process steps as well as relevant process chains in Europe and worldwide. The comprehensive analysis includes a description of the technology, requirements and constraints, challenges, and risks. The most important suppliers are identified, and the necessary technology investments are evaluated.
3. Finally, we develop two product scenarios: the pilot line and mass production.

Result

Based on the analyses carried out, we created a sustainability report for the public and the company's employees. This report serves as the basis for annually updated reporting.  

In addition, we developed a data-supported basis for controlling that integrates sustainability-related key figures in the areas of economy, ecology, and social issues. This created an above-average basis for the client to provide relevant information to investors. 

Approach

1. Together with the client, we develop a consistent understanding of sustainability that complies with the guidelines of the international GRI standard. In addition, areas of action in the field of ecological sustainability are identified and defined.
2. Sustainability initiatives that have already been implemented are analyzed and reviewed for compliance with standards and regulations. The analysis includes an assessment of opportunities and risks arising from the business-relevant impacts of society and the environment on the company.

Result

Our analyses provided the customer with a deep understanding of the value chain and the interactions with internal (production network) and external (suppliers) interfaces. Critical risk drivers were identified for the planned ramp-up of production volumes, and appropriate recommendations for dealing with these were provided. Finally, a structured roadmap for implementing the measures was handed over, which the plant under review can use to increase its resilience and reduce any contractual penalties due to delayed delivery of products to customers.

Approach

1. Production processes and their resources are reviewed using a value stream analysis. This is used to identify challenges and derive potential risks. 
2. The behavior of the production system is simulated on a scenario basis to prioritize the previously identified weaknesses within the production system.
3. Optimization potential and recommendations for action for particularly critical processes are derived, which, for example, improve the robustness of the production system during high-volume ramp-up by avoiding unplanned interruptions in the production process.

Result

We provided the client with a comprehensive overview of potential customer segments and the associated customer needs, which serves as a basis for validating the relevant target markets.

In previously defined subject areas, we have categorized and qualitatively evaluated solutions already available on the market in a long list. We have also developed detailed technology profiles, including potential technology partners, for the categories in the defined subject areas.

Approach

1. We gained a general overview of innovations in the growth areas and created a hypothesis-driven elaboration of customer segments and customer needs. Solutions already available on the market and emerging innovations were identified, categorized, and evaluated.
2. In creative workshops, we work with the customer to sketch out new solution concepts and narrow them down. We always consider technological feasibility and the best possible fulfillment of customer needs. 
3. Finally, an illustrator visualizes the group discussion and the ideas that have been generated.

Result

We developed a holistic incubator concept for the company that aligns and defines its strategic orientation within a holistic target vision.

In addition to defining internal and external interfaces, this included the organization and governance as well as the team structure with the necessary competency profiles. For the start of the project, we also developed a concept for the spatial and infrastructural equipment of the incubator and planned the step-by-step start-up phase of the venturing activities.

Approach

1. We map the current process landscape for developing innovations and define the focal points for designing the incubator.
2. We then analyze and define the strategic orientation.
3. Based on this, we derive recommendations for action for designing the processes, methods, and team and organizational structure.

Result

The regulatory framework developed, with defined fields of action, location-specific development goals, and hundreds of use cases, serves as a guideline for the digitalization roadmaps of all plants worldwide. Based on this, a new state-of-the-art plant was built and value creation activities were relocated from other plants. In a subsequent project, the prioritized use cases from the plant roadmaps were also quantified on a location-specific basis to enable strategic controlling. 

Approach

1. We analyze the company's global locations and cluster the location types based on product and production-specific characteristics.
2. On this basis, we design a comprehensive regulatory framework for the digital transformation of the locations.
3. Together with the company's digitalization and production experts, we define development goals and areas of action for the respective location types.
4. Building on this, the transformation roadmaps for the plants are specified using application examples of different Industry 4.0 maturity levels and coordinated with the Executive Board.