Australian SMEs may be taking their product development cues from one of the world’s top car developers after a pep-talk from BMW’s Vice President of Total Vehicle Architecture and Integration.
Volker Richter, from the Munich-based BMW Research and Innovation Centre, showcased the car manufacturer’s new customer-focussed manufacturing, product design and product development processes during a series of presentations hosted by QMI Solutions and the Queensland University of Technology during Australian Engineering Week this month.
Mr Richter said the technology-push and demand-pull development of new products was a challenge for business, and highlighted the company’s hybrid approach using its new electric vehicle models as an example.
“One of the key drivers for new product development amongst our customers is the need for improved efficiency through reduced consumption and increased performance,” Mr Richter said.
“Sustainability is of growing importance and one which all manufacturers should move to consider as a minimum standard in the development of new products.”
Mr Richter has worked in the automotive industry for more than 20 years across quality, innovation, and process and product management roles. His projects have included the introduction of integrated processes across engineering departments, virtual product development processes and methodology development to optimise the use of computer aided and hardware prototypes.
Since 1992 QMI Solutions and QUT have worked closely to provide up-to-date research and technology solutions to assist Queensland small to medium manufacturing business.
QMI Solutions Strategy and Growth General Manager, David Pettigrew said European companies were well known for their manufacturing and the BMW presentations were intended to help boost innovation by translating common concepts and trends from large manufacturers to small to medium enterprises across any industry.
“To have a company as large and successful as BMW share its knowledge of product development management was a shot in the arm for Australian small to medium companies,” Mr Pettigrew said.
“We’re not all in the business of car manufacturing, but the common elements to success and sustainable growth were clear. A good internal culture, economic and environmental foresight and understanding of customer needs are vital for good innovation and outcomes.”