Automated new product development

With Accolade, its new product development suite, Sopheon introduces an automated version of the Stage-Gate product development system currently used by an estimated 70% of North American technology-driven companies. The system was designed in conjunction with Drs. Robert Cooper and Scott Edgett, whose work is the basis for the Product Development Institute’s (PDI) Stage-Gate system.

Accolade converts the Stage-Gate system from paper to computer and speeds the process through development of critical knowledge. Sopheon reports its combination of software applications, services and specialized content provides a framework for new product development processes from inception to launch. The solution is pre-loaded with product development best-practices content and also gives users access to Sopheon's technical and industry experts, as well as its portal, Teltech.com.

The Accolade system provides additional functionality in product development portfolio management, including monitoring, prioritization, resource allocation and "what if" analysis. It’s augmented by an array of modules developed by Cooper and Edgett, including:

• an integrated portfolio management tool that enables more informed product investment decisions;

• new product screening and diagnostic software that helps gauge the probability of commercial success;

• a process evaluation and benchmarking tool for assessing product development processes, practices and performance; and

• an electronic manual providing guidelines for effective new product development.

A number of corporate sites are expected to participate in test activity preceding full commercial introduction of the offering, which is expected to be early next year.

Accolade is the first major offering created by the recent merger of Sopheon and the former Teltech Resource Network and its strategic partnership with PDI.

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