Delphi sets benchmarks in technology and innovation management
The "Successful Practice Award" recognizes companies with demonstrated and validated best-in-class global practices. The selection by a jury of cross industry representatives and representatives of the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology followed a rigorous and detailed review process. Some 300 companies initially applied, with just five selected for site visits. Each was evaluated on technology strategy, organization of technology management, process organization, and controlling.
Selection criteria from the Fraunhofer IPT included clear structure in technology management and consistent processes to identify new technologies as well as pro-active and consequent IP-management and recognition process for new innovations.
Following the site visit, Delphi was commended for its strong and visible vision, its clear portfolio focus on safe, green, and connected product technologies, the strong connection across its technology management processes, and its leadership-led process for employee recognition.
"It's clear that Delphi took the opportunity to remake itself during the company's recent restructuring process," said Toni Drescher, group leader of technology management for Fraunhofer IPT, following the Delphi site visit. "They have clearly demonstrated the ability to sustain these practices over time."
Dr. Andrew Brown, Jr., executive director and chief technologist for Delphi, accepted the award on the company's behalf. "We are honored to receive this recognition, particularly considering the outstanding companies which were included in both the application process and those who served on the jury," Brown said. "Innovation is at the core of our company -- it's part of our DNA. This underscores the focus we place on creating a strong culture and processes to stimulate and support innovation."
Optimal technology management
Optimal technology management plays a major role in helping Delphi to bring game-changing technologies to the automotive industry, Brown says. "From understanding market drivers and trends through design, development, engineering, and manufacturing, all of our technology processes are linked to assure that we make the most of resources to deliver on customer preferences," he explains.
Innovative technologies for the automotive industry
The Fraunhofer prize is the latest in a series of recognitions of Delphi's technologies and technical processes. Others include:
- 2010 Pace Awards for its Multimode Electronically Scanning Radar, Direct Acting Piezo Injectors. PACE (Premier Automotive Suppliers' Contribution to Excellence) awards are given annually by Automotive News to recognize market leading technologies, and Delphi has been among the finalists or winners for the past several years.
- 2010 Electron d'Or Gold Award, Best Software Tool from French monthly ElectroniqueS magazine for its PharOS operating system developed in cooperation with the CEA (Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, a French government-funded technological research organization).
About Delphi
Delphi is a leading global supplier of electronics and technologies for automotive, commercial vehicle and other market segments. Operating major technical centers, manufacturing sites and customer support facilities in 30 countries, Delphi delivers real-world innovations that make products smarter and safer as well as more powerful and efficient. Connect to innovation at
www.delphi.com.
About the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology IPT:
Fraunhofer IPT develops systems solutions for production. It focuses on process technology, production machines, mechatronics, production quality and metrology as well as technology management. Clients and cooperation partners represent all fields of industry: from aerospace technology to the automotive industry and its suppliers, tool and die making companies and the precision mechanics, optics and machine tool industries. The institute currently employs around 380 people who are dedicated to applying their creativity to a range of projects. For more information, please visit:
http://www.ipt.fraunhofer.de/en
CONTACT: Lindsey C. Williams (USA) +1 248 813 2528 Email Contact Marie-Pierre Ygrie (Europe) +33 (0)1 49 90 47 52 Email Contact
