PM-Professional Switzerland - Programs and Projects for Innovation

  The Hidden Cost of Complexity in Swiss Industry Switzerland is renowned for its high-value manufacturing and innovation. Yet, a recent analysis of the financial results of 10 leading Swiss-listed companies across sectors such as pharma, medtech, automation, and advanced industrials reveals a common challenge: the cash conversion cycle (CCC) is often extremely long—sometimes exceeding 200 days. What’s Behind a High CCC? Many Swiss companies operate with highly customised processes: ETO (Engineering to Order): Each product is engineered from scratch for the customer. DTO (Design to Order): Each order requires a new design, though some modules may be reused. These models maximise customisation but also lead to: High inventory levels (DIO) Long lead times Capital tied up for months The result? A high CCC —the time it takes to turn investment in inventory and resources into cash from sales. The CTO Opportunity CTO (Configure to Order) is a different approach: Products are built fro...

Introduction Artificial intelligence amplifies human capabilities by providing speed, scale, and access to vast knowledge. AI synthesises data, highlights patterns, and proposes options. Human beings remain indispensable for setting goals, weighing values, and making decisions that require judgment, empathy, and accountability. 1. AI as a productivity multiplier AI automates repetitive cognitive tasks, accelerates research synthesis, and generates structured options from unstructured data. By delegating data collection, baseline analysis, and scenario generation to AI, professionals reclaim time for higher-value activities such as stakeholder alignment and creative problem solving. The measurable benefit is increased throughput and faster iteration cycles without requiring proportional increases in headcount. 2. Information versus decision AI provides evidence, not verdicts. Outputs must be interpreted through organisational purpose and ethical frameworks. Decision-making requires prio...

When you're leading a business unit in a competitive industry, having a crystal-clear 5-year plan isn’t just strategic—it’s essential. Whether you're launching a new product or scaling an existing solution, long-term planning helps unify your team, attract investors, and navigate the market with confidence. In this post, we’ll walk through a practical framework for developing a 5-year business plan, then apply it directly to an ERP software company targeting SMEs in Europe. Let’s dig in. Part 1: Universal Steps to Build a 5-Year Business Plan 1. Set Your Vision & Goals   Begin with purpose. Clarify what success looks like in 5 years—market share, profitability, product impact—and define measurable objectives aligned with your mission. 2. Analyse Your Market   Get intimate with your terrain. Who are your customers? Who are your competitors? What trends, regulations, and innovations are shaping the landscape? 3. Break It Into Milestones   Divide your jour...

  We live in an era of incredible technological advancement, where breakthroughs once confined to science fiction are rapidly becoming reality. While much of the buzz around quantum computing revolves around theoretical concepts and security applications, let's dive into a real-world scenario that has the potential to directly impact our lives: revolutionizing medical diagnosis through 3D CT scans. The Challenge: Decoding the Complexity of 3D Imaging Imagine a doctor facing a complex 3D CT scan, a detailed image of the human body's intricate inner workings. These scans hold a wealth of information, but the sheer volume of data makes analysis time-consuming and challenging. Traditional computers struggle to quickly identify subtle patterns that could indicate disease. This is where quantum computing steps in, offering a powerful new approach. The Quantum Leap: Leveraging Superposition and Entanglement At the heart of quantum computing lies two key phenomena: superposition and en...

Implementing an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is like embarking on a transformative journey for your medium-sized company. It promises streamlined processes, improved efficiency, and a unified platform to drive innovation. However, the path to a successful ERP implementation is fraught with potential pitfalls. Let's explore the most common mistakes that companies make and how to steer clear of them to ensure a smooth and successful transition. 1. Lack of Clear Objectives Mistake: Setting out without a clear destination—failing to define specific, measurable goals for the ERP implementation. Solution: Establish clear objectives and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that align with your company's strategic vision. This provides direction and keeps the project focused on delivering tangible benefits. 2. Inadequate Planning Mistake: Skipping essential preparation—rushing through or overlooking the detailed planning phase. Solution: Invest time in meticulous planning...

  Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) is a well-established process in many companies, guiding products from initial concept to launch. However, a critical aspect often gets overlooked: the product's end-of-life (EOL) and its planned obsolescence. This is especially crucial in the B2B market, where products often have longer lifespans and are integrated into complex systems. The Importance of a Product Roadmap A well-defined product roadmap is essential for managing a product's lifecycle effectively. It outlines the planned evolution of the product, including: Future versions and updates: This includes improvements in functionality, performance, and security. Technology upgrades: This ensures the product remains compatible with the latest technologies and standards. EOL strategy: This defines when and how the product will be phased out. By having a clear roadmap, businesses can: Meet evolving customer needs: Regular updates and upgrades ensure the product continues to m...

  In today's rapidly evolving automotive industry, companies are racing to innovate and capture market share. One such company, SAIC Motor Corporation, has emerged as a formidable player, challenging traditional automakers with its strategic approach and commitment to technological advancement. Key Strategies Driving SAIC's Success Strategic Partnerships: Global Collaborations: SAIC has forged strategic partnerships with global giants like General Motors and Volkswagen. These collaborations have enabled the company to access cutting-edge technologies, share resources, and expand its global footprint. Knowledge Sharing: By partnering with established automakers, SAIC has gained valuable insights into market trends, consumer preferences, and manufacturing processes. Electric Vehicle (EV) Focus: Pioneering EV Technology: SAIC has invested heavily in research and development of electric vehicles. This strategic focus positions the company to capitalize on the growing ...

  Imagine this: You're a leading automotive parts manufacturer, supplying critical components to global OEMs. Your service management office (SMO) is the unsung hero, ensuring seamless operations and customer satisfaction. Yet, amidst the complexities of the automotive industry, with its stringent quality standards and rapid technological advancements, your SMO is feeling the pressure. It's time to shift gears. The Challenge Your SMO is bogged down in reactive firefighting, struggling to keep up with the demands of a dynamic supply chain. Customer complaints are increasing, and there's a growing need for proactive problem-solving and continuous improvement. Your organization recognizes the potential of a project-based approach, but how do you translate this concept into tangible results? Project-Based Transformation The solution lies in projectizing your SMO. By breaking down service management into discrete projects, you can focus on specific challenges, measure outcomes, ...

  Introduction Imagine a world where planning a ferry trip to a Greek island or an Albanian coastal town is as easy as booking a flight. That's the vision behind our ferry booking platform. We're not just building a website; we're constructing a digital marketplace that will revolutionize ferry travel. This post will delve into the technical architecture, development strategy, and go-to-market plan for this ambitious project. 1. Architecture: A Foundation for Scalability A robust architecture is paramount to handle the expected influx of users and data. We'll adopt a microservices architecture for its flexibility, scalability, and resilience. This means breaking down the platform into smaller, independent services that can be developed, deployed, and scaled independently. Core Microservices : Booking engine, payment gateway integration, inventory management, user management, and analytics. Data Layer : A cloud-based, NoSQL database like MongoDB for flexibility and scal...