Client Context
The organisation sought to professionalise its approach to innovation and product development by aligning with internationally recognised innovation standards while simultaneously building internal capability.
The assignment required the development of a formal Innovation Strategy aligned to the ISO 56000 series, the establishment of a new R&D function, and the delivery of a new product from concept through to manufacture.
The Challenge
The organisation faced several interrelated challenges:
· No formal Innovation Strategy aligned to recognised standards
· Absence of a structured R&D capability
· Need to introduce disciplined product development processes
· Requirements to design, develop and industrialise a new-real time analytical product
· Need to establish manufacturing capability to support production
The work is required integration of strategic planning, organisational design, product development and operational implementation.
Scope of Work
The assignment spanned the full innovation lifecycle and included strategic, organisational, technical and operational elements:
· Development of an Innovation Strategy aligned to the ISO 56000 series
· Design, development and staffing of a new R&D department
· Introduction and implementation of a Lean Product Development process
· Introduction of innovation and design tools aligned with ISO 56002
· Support in the design and development of a nitrate/nitrate real-time analyser product
· Establishment of a lean manufacturing operation to produce the new product
· Training of staff in: ISO 56002 innovation tools, Lean methodologies and Six Sigma tools
The engagement was delivered as a multi-phase programme covering innovation strategy, organisational capability development, product design and operational readiness.
Roles & Responsibilities
The role involved supporting and guiding the organisations across multiple dimensions of innovation capability, including:
· Supporting the development of an ISO-aligned Innovation Strategy
· Advising on structure, roles and resourcing of a new R&D department
· Introducing and embedding Lean Product Development practices
· Supporting the application of innovation and design tools throughout the product development lifecycle
· Providing guidance during the design and development of the real-time analytical product
· Supporting the setup of a lean manufacturing operation
· Delivering training to strengthen long-term internal capability
Outcomes
As a result of the assignment:
· A formal Innovation Strategy aligned with the ISO 56000 series was developed
· A new R&D department was designed, staffed and operationalised
· Lean Product Development practices were introduced and adopted
· A new nitrate/nitrate real-time analyser product was successfully developed
· A lean manufacturing operation was established to support production
· Staff capability in innovation, Lean and Six Sigma tools was strengthened