Publications

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Define Measure Analyze Innovate Control by: Peter Hanik

Many companies today have implemented six sigma programs using the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control (DMAIC) methodology. In general, these initiatives have been very successful at keeping a company operating at peak efficiency. However, many companies have found that most of the benefits come in the first year or two after six sigma implementation. This is because six sigma is statistically based and it is most effective at optimizing existing operations. Once a process is operating at near optimal conditions, process improvements are required to sustain a stream of benefits. Incremental improvements are relatively easy to identify. Breakthrough improvements require innovation. Innovative problem solutions that are implemented through six sigma result from traditional brainstorming methods or simply through serendipity. This paper describes a structured method to generate a large number of innovative solution options, which can serve as an effective front end to six sigma.

Structured Innovation Empowered by Systematic Value Advancement (SVA) by: Dr. David C. Bonner and Peter Hanik

The Pretium methodology is based on engineering disciplines that minimize risk, decrease costs, and increase profits throughout the entire intellectual property value chain. This paper illustrates the Pretium Methodology with examples of increasing retail sales, improving the innovation process (stage gate), and enhancing the value of your patents. The paper includes a brief overview of critical components of the methodology.

Increasing the Economic Impact of Six Sigma with TRIZ by: Peter Hanik

SPE POLYOLEFINS 2005 CONFERENCE, February 27 to March 2, 2005. Wyndham Greenspoint Hotel, Houston, Texas. Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) is an effective tool to design or re-design a product or service from the ground up. Basic concepts in TRIZ, one of the components of the Pretium Methodology, are reviewed and applied to a sample problem, the zipper seal on plastic bags.

Interface Between Pretium and Patent Attorneys by: Peter Hanik

This paper shows how Pretium can work with your patent attorneys to improve the breadth and depth of your patents.

VE-TRIZ A Technology Partnership by: Peter Hanik and J. Jerry Kaufman

The Society of American Value Engineers Annual Meeting, San Diego, California, June 27, 2005. Value Engineering and TRIZ have been perceived as two powerful, independent, but often, competitive problem solving tools each with their own strengths and weaknesses. This paper addresses how Pretium has linked the two in its methdology to produce a disciplined approach that maximizes the strengths and minimizes the weaknesses of each. Case studies are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach. This paper illustrates how Pretium adds value to traditional approaches.

Benefits of TRIZ Roadmapping by: Peter Hanik and Len Kaplan

This paper shows how the roadmapping aspect of the Pretium methodology address three critical aspects of innovation: 1) Establishing a clear strategy capable of generating above average returns; 2) Provide a company with advantage and stability against competition and market disruptions; 3) Establish an organization motivated by and committed to the strategy.