Areas of Expertise for ASSIST Innovation

Areas of Expertise
ASSIST Innovation currently focuses on the following areas of expertise:

Setting Strategy in an IT-Intensive Business Climate
Achieving and Measuring IT-Based Business Value
Managing the Adoption and Implementation of New Technologies such as RFID
Training Programs on Developing RFID Management Expertise

Setting Strategy in an IT-Intensive Business Climate
More than ever organizations need to take IT issues into account when building their business strategy. Furthermore, they need to develop a coherent IT strategy that can fulfill and, in some cases, enable the business strategy. At ASSIST Innovation we draw upon more than two decades of IT and business expertise to help you develop a business strategy and an IT strategy that will be effective in today's IT-intensive business climate. Some of the tools and techniques we draw upon include:

The e-Valuation Framework – used for developing a comprehensive e-business strategy.
Evaluation techniques for determining the value from emerging technologies and associated business models.
Analysis of how markets for information-based products differ from physical goods and implications for serving customers.
Techniques to manage the 6 linkages that must be managed to achieve business strategy and IT strategy alignment.

Achieving and Measuring IT-Based Business Value
Organizations must set realistic and measurable objectives regarding their IT investments. Managers need to understand what drives value from such investments and how to measure this value. At ASSIST Innovation we employ several innovative methodologies for identifying where value lies and how to develop metrics that meet management's need to show accountability from their IT investments. Some of the tools and techniques we draw upon include:

The e-Commerce Value Grid – identifies 15 ways to add value through your online presence.
The e-Business Value Grid – identifies 15 ways to add value through e-business applications.
The concept of functionality interaction shows how functionalities enable and enhance other functionalities.
A methodology for developing 3 types of metrics to measure e-business performance.
Techniques to bridge the gap between business and technical personnel to make use of IT.

Managing the Adoption and Implementation of New Technologies such as RFID
Adopting and implementing new information systems into organizations has always been difficult. However, the accelerated pace of change, the need to coordinate external supply chain partners and IT vendors, and the fact that IT now permeates all areas of the business make it critical that managers understand how to successfully implement new technologies into their organizations. As ASSIST Innovation we know what must go right and where your areas of exposure are regarding new systems. Also, we have extensive project management experience that will help illuminate your employees to the challenges in adopting new systems. Some of the tools and techniques we draw upon include:

A deep understanding of the issues associated with adoption RFID in your organization and with your partners.
Understanding the 8 success factors for implementing new systems into organizations.
Knowing why supply chain systems with trading partners carry more risk than internal systems projects.
A knowledge of the factors influencing and the risks assocaited with IT adoption by employees, partners, and customers.
Specific techniques and mechanisms to encourage trading partner adoption of IT.

Training Programs on Developing RFID Management Expertise
At ASSIST Innovation, our consultants have extensive experience teaching at some of the best business schools in the world. We offer training to managers who are involved with RFID planning, business case development, implementation, and usage. Customized programs can be developed for in-house delivery or are available in a two- to four-day format depending upon your needs. Other custom training programs can be developed as well.