When Intelematics developed its groundbreaking ASURE safety and security solution for the auto industry, creating the solution was only one part of the challenge.
As part of the move to connected vehicles, the next generation of cars will progressively come fitted with eCall (emergency call) technology, and Intelematics has leveraged two decades of experience in creating data-driven solutions for the auto industry to develop an industry-leading eCall solution in its ASURE offering.
Intelematics’ ASURE is a potentially life-saving solution that combines geolocation, 4G connectivity and automation to connect a vehicle with first responders in the event of an accident within seconds.
Having developed the solution, the next challenge was to work with an auto industry Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to integrate ASURE successfully into vehicle platform systems with the capability for production at scale.
Our approach vs client approach
Like many companies that develop software, Intelematics has moved from a project led approach to a product-led approach as part of our Agile transformation journey.
For example, we followed sprints to deliver our work incrementally, while the OEM was expecting deliverables on a fixed date because they needed to time it with their other systems. There was tension between Intelematics’ product-led approach and the manufacturer’s project-based mindset.
This OEM is a global manufacturer with a highly successful approach to building millions of vehicles every year at multiple facilities worldwide. They are used to managing a complex supply chain internally and with a multitude of external suppliers.
Finding the balance
To ensure a successful and timely outcome for our client, Intelematics adapted its approach and ways of working to meet the OEM’s expectations and ensure critical milestones.
While we maintained our agile approach when developing ASURE as a solution, we adopted a more project-centric approach for its successful delivery to our customer. This shift involved some changes from Intelematics in our process and the way we worked, including:
Blended our agile way of working to suit the waterfall approach of the client.
Introduced collaboration techniques, such as shared communication channels and co-locating our team and our workshop with the OEM.
Drove a culture of shared purpose through team planning, events and outings
Moved to joint testing of the product solution, which fostered a collective understanding of the project’s progress.
For us, the learnings we take forward include that our processes, approach and culture can successfully flex and adapt to meet the needs and expectations of our customers.
Integrating ASURE into the vehicle platform systems of another manufacturer may require a different approach than this initial project.
However, with the successful completion of this project, Intelematics is better prepared to work with OEM clients to ensure the successful delivery of ASURE and the new suite of solutions currently under development.
Article written by Surendar Manivannan former Intelematics employee and contributor of the Intelematics Thought Leaders Club.
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