Agile transformation of the ventilation development unit of one of the world's leading domestic appliance manufacturers

One of the key challenges facing many companies is the faster introduction of new, innovative products or product variants. By shortening the “time-to-market”, new markets can be opened up more quickly or existing market shares can be expanded at an early stage. The development division Ventilation of BSH Hausgeräte GmbH, among others, also faced this challenge.

The R&D optimization approach was designed to find solutions to respond in particular to the dynamic market environment in the ventilation sector with short development cycles and absolute consumer centricity. The focus was on the introduction of agile methods and approaches in the development process.

The development of the methods was realized via a 4-step procedure: Calibration, Baselining, Diagnosis and Solution Shaping. In several series of workshops, the team developed nearly 40 agile solution modules. Examples of this are an “Agile Leadership” approach, an “interdisciplinary Product Owner” approach or an “Agile Concept Phase”, which has already been implemented in a new development project. Orientation in the implementation of these solution components was provided by 5 strategic thrusts, which formed the backbone of the solutions. Examples of this are “Agile project work” or “Inspiring product”. In order to realize a transformation that is accepted by all sides and takes existing development processes into account, the implementation was divided into three temporal stages: 1. “Start Agile” – 2. “Agile Leverage” – 3. “Fit for Future”. Each of these stages contributes significantly to the achievement of the goal.

“With the help of the solutions developed, we can now work much more independently in the empowered teams and thus realize more complex projects in parallel, with significantly increased adherence to deadlines. The development resources are thus used in the most efficient and loss-free way possible, which also has a positive effect on employee motivation”., says Reinhard Wiedenmann, Head of Ventilation Development at BSH Hausgeräte GmbH.