Siemens 2009 Annual Report Download - page 46

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www.siemens.com/strategy
We’ve always been a pioneer in the field of medical engineering. Back in the late th cen-
tury, it was our company that teamed up with medical researchers to push the develop-
ment of X-ray applications. Today, we’re still setting standards with our healthcare
technologies. Our latest computed tomography (CT) scanner, the SOMATOM Definition
Flash, records even the tiniest anatomical details faster than ever before and requires
only a fraction of the radiation dose needed by earlier systems. Complete scans of the
entire chest region can be performed in just . seconds (see also page  of Book I).
. Joining forces to consistently outperform our competitors
The third key enabler for outperforming our competitors is, quite simply, to be better than they are. And
we’re getting an edge by offering innovative products, solutions and services, cooperating with strong
partners and gearing our value chain to efficiency.
To beat our competitors, we have to know their strengths and weaknesses. This applies not only to our
longstanding competitors but, above all, to ambitious new players in emerging countries. We’re conduct-
ing ongoing benchmarking analyses to uncover not only our competitors’ strengths and weaknesses, but
also our own. We take shortcomings at our company very seriously. Rather than downplaying them, we
address them rigorously to improve our own performance.
Our outstanding, innovative employees are one of our greatest assets. Their commitment, ideas and
perseverance are what have made Siemens the company that it is today. We want to give all our people the
opportunity to develop themselves at our company. We evaluate them in accordance with global stan-
dards, identifying and nurturing talented individuals early in their careers, and grooming our managers for
their responsibilities. The Diversity Initiative launched by our Managing Board is an important part of
these efforts. First of all, the initiative will enable us to build an outstanding team of employees with
a broad range of experience and skills while optimally fostering the strengths of each individual in hetero-
geneous environments. Second, the initiative will ensure that our managers, in particular, have an inter-
national background, coupled with extensive technical expertise and professional knowhow acquired in
a wide variety of capacities and businesses at different levels of our Company.
Of course, for a global player that does business in  countries, diversity is not only part of our identi-
ty; it’s also a major strength. To understand the specific needs and requirements of our customers around
the world, we need excellent employees and intensive customer relationships. We make every effort to
maintain and strengthen close contacts, some of which have been nurtured over years or even decades
– because we place greater value on long-term opportunities than short-term profits. We are where our
customers are, supporting them with our technologies and cooperating with them to find competitive
solutions for the future.
 Introduction  Our world 36 Our company
38 Our profile 40 A pioneer of our time –
Yesterday, today and tomorrow
46 Siemens worldwide –
A network of innovation