Optimisation of organisational structures

Context: A major tools and technologies provider was frustrated and experiencing slower technology development than other providers due to a fundamental disconnect and lack of communication between sales and R&D teams.

Solution: A CPD accredited training programme was provided to both sales and R&D teams to ensure consistent cross-organisation understanding of market opportunities and applicable technologies. To inform the training contents, employees were surveyed so that their frustrations and current understanding could be understood. An analysis was conducted to identify key focus areas for technology development. Improved protocols for R&D and sales integration were suggested and organisational structure was optimised to ensure efficient communication between teams and with customers via deployment of customer relationship management software.

Outcome: Time to prototype development and market were reduced for new innovations, and overall response rate to market needs was improved. Increased willingness of employees to develop and beta-test new technologies was observed. Optimised organisational structure increased understanding of existing and new products, and as such sales increased and major new accounts were won.