Question

Research standardization, flexibility and innovation in product/process design. How does this information apply to 3M, an innovative company with a variety of products? You will need to provide proof of 3M’s innovation, flexibility, and/or standardization.

Answer 1

For any process or design, a set standard set the benchmark for future products for any company of brand. A standard is the milestone, which any company would like to make it as a unique selling point (USP) for its potential customers. Standardization more or less refers to the same concept where any product or process is been crafted to the perfection and been used as gold standard for upcoming lots of products.

On the other hand flexibility refers to the business tactic where process or product should be primed or made ready to adopt any changes or process tweaking to convert it into a final standard form. Sometimes market forces or rising completion also compels any process or product to be modified accordingly to match up with the revised market demands.

Similarly, Innovation is the real asset for any company which ensures that company has diverse product portfolios for its future launch and it’s a key asset for any organization. Any innovation in product or process is the sole proprietary of that particular organization and its business rights are well protected through various IP laws. Out of all the business traits, it’s the Innovation which ensures the sustainability of any organization in a long run.

Considering the case of 3M, which is a big organization in the areas of Automobiles and other portfolios, its business strategies and acumen rightly matches up with the Flexibility, Standardization and Innovation concept.

3M has the strong Research and development team to support its more than 40 product platform. A highly developed research unit ensures that Flexibility is always on the card for 3M. A unique “15% culture” ensures that Scientist or design engineers have the full liberty to strike a new innovation for 3M.

If we look at the brand value, 3M has established its brand value through strong market perception where its products are widely appreciated for its high standards. It also adopts six sigma approaches to evaluate its production lots before launching it into the commercial arena.

Similarly, adaptability and flexibility to render the required changes also give 3M a definite business edge over the other competitors.