Siemens 2014 Annual Report Download - page 102

Customer proximity
Profi table growth is based on proximity to our customers and on an
understanding of their individual requirements. To meet and exceed
our customers’ expectations, we invest in local sales presence and
support for specifi c groups of market partners. Our key account
management approach is just one successful example of this. We’re
represented in virtually every country in the world by Regional
Companies that operate as local partners to our customers. We also
exploit our in-depth knowledge of customer processes and continually
develop our offerings for key verticals in a targeted manner – across
organizational boundaries. To regularly gauge the satisfaction
of our customers around the world, we use a uniform measure, the
Net Promoter Score (NPS).
Innovation
Innovation is essential for ensuring long-term competitiveness. This
applies to our entire portfolio of products, solutions and services.
Added value for our customers is based increasingly on software and
IT solutions. As a result, we’ve made this fi eld a particular focus of our
attention – for example, through research and development activities
in software architecture and platforms. Tools such as partner networks
are enabling us to manage highly effective innovation processes and
an open innovation culture. We’re concentrating on new technology-
driven growth areas as well as innovative business models.
To implement its strategy and ensure its continued development, a company
needs an operating system that defi nes principles for the excellent manage-
ment of its businesses and determines appropriate action areas. Our operating
system, One Siemens, sets the following four priorities:
 Our strategy