Innovation Resource

With the maturation of Stage-Gate use comes the development of multiple Stage-Gate processes for “Incremental” projects, “Fast Track” projects (3 Stage) and “Full Development” projects (5 Stage). The barrier to increased process acceptance lies in overcoming the inefficiencies of running a manual stage gate process including:

• Variation in process consistency
• Poor process adherenceLack of visibility of project status
• Limited accountability for project deliverables
• Duplication of data entry
• Difficulty in managing multiple versions of documents
• Limitations on managing data access and security of R+D information
• Inability to extract projectdata for portfolio reports

Database Information Storage: Acting as a central repository for all R+D information, a single database maximizes the potential for information retention, accessibility and re-use. Coupled with a powerful search engine, this enables effective knowledge management in the information intensive world of product innovation.

Security: Overlaying a database system with an effective security framework for information access management ensures that the right information is available to the right people at all times. Striking a balance between freedom of access and controlled access is enabled through a matrix management framework.

Remote Access: The use of a server based information storage system coupled with a webbrowser interface affords ease of access from multiple locations and for remote users.

Down-loadable documents: The creation of standardized document templates allows also for them to be down-loaded for off-line work. Intelligent document marking ensures that documents saved back into the database are saved to the same project location from which they were accessed.

Smart Documents: One time data entry is enhanced by the creation of smart documents which extract key information from project deliverables for inclusion in executive summaries and Gate Documents. Examples of Smart Documents include the auto-preparation of Gate presentations from deliverable input.

Workflow Mapping: Ease of use is facilitated by the use of graphic representations of the work-flow through the process. Process models vary according to the process being used and include key indicators such as locked stages and gate decisions.

Role based information display: The user interface of systems such as Accolade vary based upon the role of the user. Whether the user is a team member, Team leader OR gate keeper, information is made available in a role based view for complete ease of use.

Multiple process models: As companies mature in their use of the Stage gate process they quickly realize the need to create multiple process models. The creation of a 5-Stage process is valid for new to company projects or for other projects where the risk is high. For the majority of projects (70% of projects are typically reported as incremental changes to existing products.), a simplified Stage Gate process with a reduced number of Gates or decision points is required.

Locked Deliverables: One of the challenges facing any development team is accountability for forecasts. One of the benefits of the Accolade system which supports this requirement is the ability for the team leader to lock deliverables. This negates any ability to overwrite data at subsequent stages ensuring a focus on the quality of our decision making.

Reporting Wizard: With Version 6 of Sopheon's Accolade software came the introduction of the reporting Wizard. This Wizard allows the cross comparison of ANY data from within the SQL database engine of the software. Standard reports are generated as product portfolio charts and are updated with real-time project information. The reporting function of the Accolade system is exceptional.

Beyond Spreadsheets: While the Excel spreadsheet represents a great way to prepare lists product development is also about process models and process flow. For many companies the spreadsheet is THE
system for managing information. Best practice companies are using systems which manage the workflow of projects along alternate process models while ensuring the management of data security and access. This extraction and sharing of information allows the roll-up of data into integrated product portfolio reports. These reports DO use the functionality enabled by Excel to represent the information as it is extracted from the data base. With the combined benefits of effective knowledge management,
database storage, security, access, workflow mapping, data management and reporting, systems such as Sopheon's Accolade offer best practice new product development management in configurable solutions which can be tailored to meet the needs of many smaller businesses.