Digital Enterprise Society is the authority on the transformation to a digital enterprise, impacting all areas of an organization. Tune in for discussions among industry leaders about operations and action needed to drive digitization principles forward for the future of product development and life cycles. 

 

In today’s episode, Thom Singer and Craig Brown welcome Erich Meier, CTO at Method Park.  From his early days of software education to a successful career in product lifecycle management, Erich has seen the benefits of effective process modeling for any industry.  He explains its value and highlights the innovative benefits of implementing process modeling.  He also offers a look at opportunities that are beginning to present themselves as a result of COVID-19, and shares key advice that can help you develop a truly stellar reputation in your career. 

 

On today’s podcast, you will learn:

 

Process modeling versus typical PLM workflow

• A process model works where the typical workflow for a next generation product doesn’t
• Process modeling can work in any variety of scenarios, whether it’s in sequence, parallel, or iterations 
• Process modeling provides a higher level of extraction for more complicated products
• It is an asset to know your processes and your findings, and both can give you a greater competitive advantage. 

 

The benefits of effective process modeling

• Most companies that would benefit from process modeling don’t yet know that it exists
• Process modeling provides tools that create greater products by answering the questions of who, what, how and why
• Highly effective product lifecycle management always includes process modeling

• Process modeling allows for a better implementation of incremental innovative visions
• Companies that benefit most from process modeling have highly complex products and disruptive innovations in a highly regulated environment

 

Impacts and opportunities from COVID-19

• Working from home is option for more industries than previously thought possible
• Companies are preserving R & D projects as cost pressures will remain even if product complexity doesn’t change 
• Standards and regulations will most likely continue to increase internationally to ensure safety and encourage innovation

 

How to develop a stellar career reputation

• Take time to listen before you speak to other people 
• Seek to understand before you seek to be understood
• Never stop asking ‘why’ when you are given tasks — it will allow for opportunities of greater innovation 

 

Do you have an example of extraordinary efforts or innovation during these unprecedented times? We would love to hear your story and possibly interview you for an upcoming episode. Please reach out to us at www.DigitalEnterpriseSociety.org

 

Shareables:

[6:10] “A process model represents what people do and how they interact to achieve a certain goal.” — Erich Meier

 

[14:38] “In incremental innovation you need to have a clear vision and a clear path to implementing that vision.” — Erich Meier

 

[15:10]  “Process innovations don’t help you create more innovative products, but they do help you to manage their complexities.  Without process management, you have no chance to implement them.” — Erich Meier