In 1993, Siemens AG launched a worldwide initiative called Time Optimized Process (TOP). This program was revitalized and updated in 1998 as Time Optimized Process Plus (TOP+) and implemented at all Siemens facilities. The program has been credited with cost reductions from 2-3% to about 10%, doubling the number of registered innovations to more than 6,000, and increasing sales by 35%.
TOP+ is a philosophy of how business will be conducted. It embraces many highly effective traditional tools such as Balanced Scorecards, World-Class Benchmarking, Employee Idea Systems, and Economic Value Added (EVA). A more creative tool used is Process Optimization With Early Results (POWER) teams. POWER teams are cross-functional teams with dedicated time and resources, committed to achieving goals and objectives in a very short period of time.
The TOP+ program encompasses cultural change, productivity, innovation, and best practice sharing, to increase customer benefit and increase company value. A case study of the successful application within Siemens Automotive will be discussed.