Implementing product platforms in the global enterprise: Lessons from an LED industry leader

Product platforming—using technology subsystems or components that are shared within and across product lines—is a proven way to increase the effectiveness of innovation processes in established companies and startups alike. Yet, embracing the product platforming strategy turns out to be difficult in practice, particularly within the context of global, diversified companies. In this article, we examine the strategies and challenges of implementing product platforms across multiple business segments and multiple geographies. Using the experience of global LED industry leader Signify, we explore the challenges of global platforming and the technological, organizational, management process transformations needed for success. We also examine how platforming strategies change as manufacturers enter the world of connected things.