Research and Consulting in Data-Driven Strategic Product Planning

Maurice Meyer, Maximilian Frank, Melina Massmann, Roman Dumitrescu

Industry 4.0 and digitalization have transformed the industrial world. Many manufacturers create additional customer value by offering data-based services. However, companies can benefit from analyzing data themselves, too. Through data, companies can learn about product usage and behavior. This enables them to systematically improve their products. But finding improvements through data analysis is not trivial.

Henceforth, we developed a method for the data-based iden-tification of product improvements. This method was created in a joint research project with four companies from different industrial sectors.

The paper at hand introduces our approach of combining research and consulting in terms of a case study from our research project. The result is a research and consulting concept which is optimized for a two days workshop. From our point of view, there is no other way in researching methods for strategic product planning but through working together closely with companies. This is especially important as methods must be researched for practical usage. Simultaneously, it is essential to never forget that companies only participate in research projects if they clearly see a benefit. A benefit through consulting.

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