The automotive sector generates vast amounts of knowledge; and the quantity of this data will only proceed to extend as autonomous and connected vehicles collect real-time data on customer habits and preferences. Turning this data into relevant insights depends upon an organization’s approach to innovation.   

In comparison with a phone application, a connected vehicle software malfunction can have dangerous safety consequences while driving. Due to this fact, automotive production and innovation cycles must turn into interconnected and pass many quality assurance checkpoints before they may be sold. But as customers grow accustomed to rapidly evolving digital technologies and the market continues to evolve, automakers and OEMs must shorten these cycles without compromising safety and security.  

Digital twins, a virtual analog of a physical automobile’s software and mechanical and electric components that may carry real-time inspection data, maintenance history, warranty data, and defects, are one in all the various emerging technologies that may help bridge this gap, Uvarova says.    

Driving continuous improvement in services means working methodologies must also complement the technology used to innovate modern software-defined vehicles. Uvarova notes that the agile working methodology — which manages projects through iterative phases that involve cross-departmental collaboration and a continuous improvement feedback loop — would align with modern innovation practices and serve OEMs well.   

“With a purpose to be certain that we support innovation and produce state-of-the-art, latest generation software defined vehicle to market,” says Uvarova, “a variety of departments must work together, they usually must work together in a short time, actually, in an agile manner.”  

What is usually missing from traditional OEMs is collaboration between departments as many processes proceed to work from the top-down and are confined to silos.    

“A variety of great innovations, they’re born from cross-pollination, from collaboration, from synergies between very different departments of the identical company, also sometimes from partnerships,” says Uvarova.    

Data silos, where insular processes and data streams can’t be easily shared between departments and operation phases, often cause inefficiencies and duplication of labor. Historically, Sayer says, many industries, including auto, have excelled working in these silos. But working with agility, creating connected products, and getting probably the most out of the info it produces requires collaboration and data sharing.