In our latest webinar, “Innovation as a Secret Sauce: The Key Ingredients for IoT Success,” Alan Kleinerman, Vice President and Global Head of Innovation at The Kraft Heinz Company, shared invaluable insights into the development of the groundbreaking HEINZ REMIX machine.
This innovative device, a testament to the partnership between Kraft Heinz and Mesh Systems, allows consumers and restaurants to create over 200 sauce combinations, revolutionizing the condiment industry.
In the webinar, Alan delved into the rapid development of the HEINZ REMIX, highlighting the importance of fostering a culture of innovation within a company.
Company Culture: It must foster innovation
One of the standout highlights from the webinar was the emphasis on company culture as the bedrock of innovation. Panelists Alan and Mesh Systems CEO Richard Baxter pose thought-provoking questions, urging viewers to reflect on their own organizational environments: “Does your company culture support risk-taking and experimentation? Is it safe to fail?”
True innovation requires an appetite for risk and an acceptance of failure. A culture that tolerates failure is crucial for nurturing creative thinking and breakthrough ideas. Companies must create an environment where employees feel empowered to take risks without the fear of repercussions, thereby encouraging experimentation and fostering a continuous cycle of innovation.
Empowerment and Autonomy: Key Ingredients of Innovation
Another critical piece of the innovation puzzle is employee empowerment and autonomy. Panelists stressed the importance of allowing employees to work independently and make decisions. Are your employees empowered to work independently and make decisions? Your employees need to have this autonomy. These are key ingredients of innovation and derive from company culture.
By granting employees the freedom to explore new ideas and take ownership of their projects, companies can unlock their full creative potential. This empowerment not only drives innovation but also boosts employee satisfaction and engagement, creating a more dynamic and forward-thinking workplace.
Balancing Brand Reinvigoration and Renovation
In the context of a large business like Kraft Heinz, which oversees numerous well-known brands, Kleinerman discussed the delicate balance between reinvigorating a brand and renovating it completely. He shared how Kraft Heinz approaches innovation, ensuring that each brand remains relevant and exciting while staying true to its core identity.
View his comments on this in the below highlight from the webinar:
Read the Full Kraft Heinz Case Study
For a deeper dive into the Kraft Heinz Company’s connected product journey and the development of the HEINZ REMIX, read the full case study here.
The Bottom Line
The webinar underscored the importance of a supportive company culture, employee empowerment, and the strategic balance of brand innovation. These elements, as highlighted by Alan Kleinerman, are the key ingredients for IoT success and the driving force behind the HEINZ REMIX machine’s rapid development. By fostering an environment that encourages risk-taking and empowers employees, companies can unlock the true potential of innovation and achieve remarkable success in the ever-evolving market.
Watch the full webinar below: