Case Study: Improving the Product Development System and Time to Market

Issue

• Products not delivered on-time, generating employee stress and customer dissatisfaction
• Lack of a well-defined product development process
• Too many projects in the pipeline; resources were spread too thin
• Projects continually reprioritized leading to inefficient resource utilization
• Lack of visibility to project status
• Missing key resources to drive product development
• Lack of strategic direction
• Poor hand-offs between departments

Solution

• Designed a portfolio management system that determined the right projects and optimal number of projects based on available resources
• Developed a robust lean product development process with integrated lean/agile techniques
• Implemented cross-functional teams with defined roles and responsibilities
• Standardized project management processes and improved project visibility across the organization
• Coached the product management team on developing product strategies and roadmaps
• Trained both senior management and project team members

Why it Worked

• Strong senior management buy-in and participation
• Built organizational understanding that too many active projects and multitasking slow project completion
• Placed projects on hold until resources became available
• Effective project planning and maintenance was facilitated by cross-functional teams
• Strategic direction was provided through the development of product strategies and roadmaps
• Daily stand-up meetings conducted by cross-functional teams using virtual project boards kept project work front and center
• Adapted implementation timing based on the organization’s ability to change

Outcome

• Within a 9 month period, eleven projects were completed on-time (some early); client was overjoyed
• Client secured a significant contract from a major customer due to improved on-time delivery
• Improved communication using a common language and coordination across all departments
• Senior management is able to evaluate and prioritize the most important projects while optimizing resources
• Weekly “Flash Reports” provide visibility to project status
• Product development process and lean/agile methods are embedded into the organization
• Less internal conflict between team members and departments