Two key projects for a new era of collaboration and innovation
Innovation and digitalization facilitate seamless collaboration across organizations, breaking down traditional silos and enabling a more integrated approach to problem-solving and project management. Sika exempli- fies this approach through its strategic implementation of key projects such as Nuage and the new release of the Product Creation Process (PCP), both of which underscore Sika’s commitment to leveraging digital technologies for enhanced collaboration and innovation.
"Efficient collaboration between R&D, operations, sustainability, and innovation is crucial for mastering challenges related to customer focus, digitalization, and sustainability – especially also against the background of the largest integration in our history. Each team, from R&D, operations, target markets to sustainability, plays a vital role, merging their unique perspectives to foster a culture of innovation that prioritizes both immediate customer needs and long-term environmental stewardship." Patricia Heidtman, Chief Innovation & Sustainability Officer at Sika
Nuage, Sika’s project for digitalizing R&D processes worldwide, stands as a testament to Sika’s forward- thinking vision. By creating a global digital laboratory, Nuage enables R&D staff of all Sika (and former MBCC) locations to conduct experiments and simulations using cutting-edge digital tools and technologies, regardless of their physical location. This initiative fosters real-time collaboration across teams situated in various regions and grants access to an extensive array of data, software, and hardware resources. The success of Nuage, following its pilot phase across all core technologies and regions, is possible through the concerted efforts of the project teams and experts from all regions, every core technology group, as well as IT, procurement, operations, and technical service departments. With the rollout commencing in 2023 and the ongoing onboarding of R&D teams worldwide in 2024, Nuage is setting new standards for digital collab- oration in research and development.
"Launching Nuage represents a pivotal advancement in our R&D efforts. The fusion of digital technologies within our labs enhances collaboration across teams and the effectiveness of our research and development workflows, enabling us to deliver superior innovative solutions to our customers more swiftly." Luka Oblak, Project Lead Nuage
PCP: Parallel to Nuage, Sika’s Product Creation Process (PCP) embodies the company’s strategic approach to innovation in product development and market offerings. The new PCP 2023 outlines clear responsibilities and procedures for the creation, modification, and delivery of new products and system solutions, aligning with Sika’s goals for long-term profitability and customer satisfaction. This comprehensive process emphasizes the reduction of product risks, adherence to environmental, health, safety, and regulatory compliance, and the integration of sustainability considerations throughout the product’s lifecycle, including Sustainability Portfolio Management assessments. By doing so, the PCP 2023 ensures that Sika solutions meet the highest standards of quality and safety and contribute positively to the environment and society.
The Product Creation Process (PCP) is crucial in transitioning from a mere product idea to a market-ready solution that aligns with the company’s customer-centric strategy. It engages all necessary components and personnel required to enhance, innovate, or develop new products. This includes steps from developing a business case and planning resources, to formulating and designing the product, as well as overseeing pro- duction, logistics, and even marketing and sales efforts.
"The PCP 2023 stands as a collaborative effort across various business disciplines, serving as the cornerstone of our innovation. It embodies the spirit and culture that have generated Sika’s success. As we continue to focus on innovative technologies and products, our Product Creation Process ensures that we deliver solutions that not only meet but exceed our customers’ expectations, thereby sustaining our growth and success." Herbert Ackermann, Head of Global Innovation Management