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ePaper created 2015-03-04, 10:43:31 | version 1.33.01
industry report I Asmallergroupwhosemembershadlongprofes- sional experience with dental implants, was con- tactedfirst.TheR&DandProductManagementteam had by then developed a system. Now, it was time for theireffortsinthelaboratorytofacereality.Thegroup wasaskedtoevaluatethecoresystemandcontribute to the further development and refinement of the system. “The input given at this stage contributed to changes in parts of the system. Some designs were improved in ways we could never have imagined if we had not been open about our work,” says Per Aringskog. Even if openness and participation turned out to be the key to success, the contents of the project had to be kept secret. The company operates in a highly competitive market where many smaller players are very interested in using smart solutions, preferably without having to invest in the development work. Secrecy was of the utmost importance for this and similar future projects if they were to bear the ex- penses. Investing in research and development and constantly challenging and improving is part of the company philosophy. _One big project Following the initial phase, the more basic parts started to fall into place. Now it was time to expand the group of ambassadors and to gather broader and more detailed feedback. But, allowing the group to growwasriskyseenfromasecrecyperspective.From the initial single-digit group of clinicians, the group now grew to almost 50 ambassadors on three conti- nents. But, the saying “Confide in one, never in two; confide in three and the whole world knows” was re- futed once and for all. ”It is amazing that we managed to keep the con- tents of the project secret. But, the participants were so dedicated that they saw this as their own project. Webecameonebigprojectteamwithagreatinternal loyalty,” says Per Aringskog. Bynow,theworkintensified.Sixemployeesvisited the ambassadors in their everyday business and held concept handling sessions. The ambassadors also gathered a few times to exchange experiences and thoughtsintheearlyprojectphase,andthefeedback kept coming in. As the project progressed, Per Aringskog and his colleagues adjusted the system and new tests took place.Afterfiveyearsofwork,onlyfine-tuningofde- tailsremainedandeventuallyeverythingwasreadyto be launched. “Eachindividualpointofviewmightseemtiny,but puttogethereveryonehascontributedtothefinalre- sult,”saysAgnetaBrobergJansson,oneofthosewho worked closest to the ambassadors._ I 31implants1_2015 contact DENTSPLY Implants Steinzeugstraße 50 68229 Mannheim,Germany www.dentsplyimplants.com