{"id":1478,"date":"2011-04-15T17:55:16","date_gmt":"2011-04-15T23:55:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/workingknowledge.com\/blog\/?p=1478"},"modified":"2023-03-02T21:27:43","modified_gmt":"2023-03-03T03:27:43","slug":"how-open-innovation-modularity-accelerate-innovation-at-psionteklogix","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.workingknowledge.com\/blog\/how-open-innovation-modularity-accelerate-innovation-at-psionteklogix\/","title":{"rendered":"How Open Innovation & Modularity Accelerate Innovation at PsionTeklogix"},"content":{"rendered":"

Point<\/strong>: Use open innovation and modularity to identify new product\/service needs and accelerate your pace of innovation<\/p>\n

Story<\/strong>: Rugged handheld computers are used every day by\"\"<\/a>retailers,warehouse operators, service technicians, parcel companies, and transportation operators to log customer purchases, track inventory, monitor shipments, and scan tickets.\u00a0 Half a dozen manufacturers compete in the crowded market for these devices to serve customers who want everything — devices that are hardy, high-tech, compact, inexpensive, and suited to their particular needs.<\/p>\n

PsionTeklogix needed to differentiate itself from competitors like Motorola, Intermec, Datalogic, Honeywell, and LXE.\u00a0 The company created a modular platform strategy called Omnii with interchangeable keyboards, scanners, communications modules, screens, grips and optional features like a camera and GPS.\u00a0 Rather than build small volumes of unique devices for each application or new technology, Psion created a modular platform to build components in cost-effective volumes and then mix-and-match the parts to create a custom-built assembly.<\/p>\n

For example, Psion or one of its partners can create a new RF communications module (e.g., for a new cellular data standard) and then plug that module into many of the pre-existing Omnii products. This strategy accelerates innovation because it’s faster and cheaper to design a new module than to redesign an entire product.\u00a0\u00a0This strategy also accelerates adoption of innovation by customers because customers don’t have to replace all their handheld computers, only swap in the new modules.<\/p>\n

Then, Psion went a step further, introducing its Open Source Mobility initiative.\u00a0 Psion created IngenuityWorking.com, an open, collaborative online community for Psion employees, developers, partners and customers.\u00a0 The goals are twofold:<\/p>\n

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  1. to leverage Psion’s large IP portfolio with a wide range of vendors and component suppliers<\/li>\n
  2. to give customers and resellers the ability to voice needs and identify micro-niches in the market.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    In summary:<\/p>\n