Almatis – Client Interview – Part 2
Global Technical Director
The evolving role of R&D is leading transformation at Almatis. The Global Technical Director shares how the Stage-Gate® initiative modernized their approach to product innovation and placed a greater focus on value creation, not just technical excellence. Almatis is launching a steady stream of strategically aligned, innovative new products that deliver real impact.
Part 2
Bernd Becker, interviews Andus Buhr, Global Technical Director at Almatis, about their recent experience working with Stage-Gate International (SGI) to tailor and implement the Stage-Gate® Innovation Framework to enable strategic transformation. In part 2 of this interview, Andus shares learnings and tips that you can apply at your organization. If you missed the first part of the interview, visit Part 1.
Looking back on the design and implementation of your Stage-Gate Innovation Framework, is there any detail that you would have approached differently?
Yes, upon reflection, two details. 1) It would have been wise to have released the Design and Implementation team from their daily tasks so that they could focus exclusively on the project. 2) We ran training sessions in parallel with our Welcome Gates (where the first projects entered our Stage-Gate Process). As a result, a few team members had not received training before their 1st Gate Meeting, and they were unclear about what to expect and what was expected of them.
Was it helpful to work with an external expert?
Working with SGI really helped us to understand the Gatekeeping roles especially, and the discipline it requires. They aligned the Gatekeeping team and the organization to their roles and responsibilities and, despite a few changes in the Gatekeeping team, having this organization-wide knowledge continues to keep us on track as the Gates set the tone, the pace, and the expectation for innovation performance.
What have you learned in the months since launching the framework?
Continuing to clearly communicate expectations for the quality of information is key to ongoing success. Our teams appreciate how the framework guides cross-functional involvement throughout the entire process and are constantly improving the quality of their Business Cases (particularly Product Definition in the eyes of the customer). There is a much greater focus on exploring the business rationale for undertaking projects, not just the technical side of new product development.
What advice do you have for those embarking on a Stage-Gate implementation based on your experience?
Trust in Stage-Gate International’s approach and commit the necessary resources to lead the initiative to success. Accept a one-year timeline for true traction and don’t take shortcuts. Top Management support is critical to success – don’t attempt to implement Stage-Gate without it. It’s particularly effective to have Stage-Gate International lead the training to get everyone on the same page for success as they easily address every question and concern on the spot.
For more on Almatis’s transformation, contact Bernd Becker.