APC 2013 Annual Report Download - page 36

1OVERVIEW OF THE GROUP'S STRATEGY, MARKETS AND BUSINESSES
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
A continued focus on R&D performance 5.8
While innovation is the key priority of Schneider Electric’s R&D critical technology. cross-businesses initiatives focus on
strategy, the continuous improvement of the efficiency of the developing natively connected, smart and secure products, that
development chain, from concept to marketable solution, support the Group's solution strategy.
remains a clear focus.
Agility
Competences Leveraging the latest technology for the Group’s own use allows
Worldwide networks of experts are in charge of constantly both shorter lead times and improved robustness of our
developing the Group’s intellectual capital in the key technologies development process:
and techniques of its portfolio. The Edison program, providing generalization of 3D modeling and printing at the early phases
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technical employees a specific career track, strongly contributes of the projects allow early validation of products with users
to this foundation of R&D competitiveness. and pave the way for smooth industrialization;
Technology
model based system engineering supports early in-depth
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validation of requirements, parallel engineering with system
level tests at all stages, thus reducing lead time and improving
These expert networks are particularly in charge of proposing quality;
Group level standards for critical technologies, thus directly widespread use of mechanical, thermal and electromagnetic
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contributing to the technology platforming program launched in simulations further reduces lead time and limits rework at late
2010 and now reaching maturity. stages of projects.
Embedded control, including both the hardware and software
embedded in the majority of the Group’s products, is such a
34 2013 REGISTRATION DOCUMENT SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC