CASES
Atag Benelux develops kitchen hobs for the premium and middle segment. Recently they were acquired by Hisense International, worldwide market leader in TV’s. Where focus was first merely on Benelux and Europe, in recent years they have started a transition to increasingly operate worldwide. This requires a new business philosophy. When they were looking for an innovation project manager, they thought of BEACON, with whom they have good experience.
A self-organizing startup team within FrieslandCampina had as objective to launch a product which would create a serious business opportunity. They came to the idea of a product, a machine and a smart packaging design, with a unique technology for FrieslandCampina. They were looking for a partner who could challenge them in the field of product development of the hardware and the organization of the total solution. Especially because this product is new to them. BEACON appeared to be the right partner.
To professionalize and accelerate their innovation management practice, Aviko was looking for an experienced interim project manager who was able to boost an ongoing project. Someone that could properly lead a complex innovation project within a complex organisation like Aviko. At BEACON they found this senior project manager.
Forbo asked BEACON to help with implementing the scrum methodology for management of innovation projects. The installation of Forbo’s linoleum carpet is finished with a special wire to fill the seams between banners. The challenge was to create a wire that ensures a strong connection between banners, protection against dirt and good cleanability. This project showed limited progress and this is when Forbo decided to apply scrum methodology.
Jacobs Douwe Egberts made use of BEACON’s project and program management during multiple stages of the development of PROMESSO: a coffee system for small businesses; it was based on liquid coffee technology and still managed to deliver bean-to-cup quality coffee. The challenge: setup and manage an extensive program to develop a new appliance, with new packaging as well as a new ingredient.
AG&T hired a BEACON project manager for the development of a beautiful innovation: lightweight glass mirrors for the aircraft industry. Together with a start-up team, the challenge was to develop and certify the product and launch it successfully in a new market: Aviation.
BDR Thermea develops heating systems for a global market. The challenge was to develop a boiler or energy system with lower CO2 emission. BDR Thermea asked BEACON to support in defining the needed innovation projects.
Gazelle asked BEACON for support with a structured form of innovation roadmapping. The questions they wanted to get answered: “What do we need to do to remain successful in future? Will our current bike offering still meet consumer needs in five years’ time? And how should we market position our own top models with respect to each other and also with respect to the competition?”
Pon Power asked BEACON for support in organizing the definition of new business propositions. The occasion was the question posed by an important customer of Pon Power: “To be honest, we would prefer not to use the Caterpillar motors on board our ships. Ideally, we would prefer exactly the right amount of energy to use when and where we need it. Can we think of a solution for our need together?”