SOLAR
Product development
Brief:
Product development of a Poly Black photovoltaic module
Requirement:
Cross-departmental project management
- Existing production processes and additional materials were preserved
- Polycrystalline photovoltaic cells were used as an alternative to monocrystalline cells, which were hit by global shortages at the time
- The new product was launched at the 2014 Intersolar trade show in Munich
- Focus on market USP based on efficiency and aesthetics
Certification Strategy
Brief:
Planning and implementation of a standardized certification process applicable to two production locations
Requirement:
Cross-departmental project management
- Contracts with testing organizations were designed and negotiated
- Coordination with certification bodies
- Advantages: cost savings and enhanced flexibility in materials procurement and in materials and product certification
- Flexibility of use of materials was increased
- Location-independent production operations were established
Product Optimization
Brief:
Product optimization and portfolio management after acquisition and integration of a new production facility
Requirement:
Cross-departmental project management
- Cross-departmental project management
- Portfolio management and product segmentation
- Product advantages were aggregated to generate improved overall benefit
- Location-optimized production operations were established
Sales Support
Brief:
Optimize product and create marketing concepts to boost sales of indoor-developed in-roof system
Requirement:
Cross-departmental project management
- Planning software to reduce complexity was developed and launched
- Efficiency of sales unit’s tender preparation process was improved
- Complexity was minimized and customer satisfaction was increased
- Customers received support in designing and planning their systems
- Product benefits were highlighted in market communication
Claim Management
Brief:
Set up a technical service/claim management system in Europe
Requirements:
Cross-departmental project management
- Claim management was optimized as a precondition for bank creditworthiness (“bankability”) to secure project financing of 150 projects in Italy
- Efficiency of processing module replacement projects was boosted, cutting customer complaints
- Customer satisfaction was enhanced, alongside customer loyalty and creditworthiness
Recall due to connection socket fire risk
Brief:
Recall of photovoltaic modules after sale because of defective component (fire risk from connection socket presenting danger to life and limb)
Requirements:
Cross-departmental project management
- Analyses of authentic use scenarios were designed and performed in collaboration with Fraunhofer IWM materials testing institute
- Risk assessment based on RAPEX guidelines was carried out
- Warning labelling was created, working with lawyers and Karlsruhe local government office
- A crisis management system with accompanying service structures was set up and coordinated
SMART METERING
New product development – Smart Meter
Brief:
In-house development of a new smart metering-capable water meter with ultrasonic sensor technology
Requirements:
Cross-departmental project management
- A new product range was developed to break into new markets in the EU and UAE
- Coordination of external partners and internal project teams
- Manufacturing processes were adjusted
- Launch on European and Middle Eastern markets
Reorganization of corporate strategy – digitalization
Brief:
Provide active input in designing corporate strategy with respect to market selection and profitability
Requirements:
Responsible product manager
- Market potential was assessed and competitor analyses performed
- Product strategies and roadmaps were developed and SWOT analyses were performed
- Profitable development and country-specific organizational structure were set in place
- A new product range was developed to break into new markets in the EU and UAE
Launch of new corporate branding
Brief:
Implementation of branding concept as part of portfolio expansion
Requirements:
Responsible product manager
- Existing product presentations (markings, labels) were aligned
- Product-relevant documents (certificates, approvals, data sheets, flyers, assembly instructions, presentation etc.) were defined and designed
- A new product slogan was developed
