In the consulting and technology industry, many companies tout themselves as software factories. What they’re trying to say is that they have the processes and the rigor to ensure a predictable output. If you give the same task to 10 different people, you’ll get the same result. While consistency in output can be important, the challenge with the ‘Factory’ approach is that it takes the creativity and human element out of the equation.
A factory is a mental model for low-skilled workers doing repetitive tasks. A lab is a mental model for highly-skilled workers seeking innovation by experimentation and constantly pushing the boundaries.
At Synechron, we believe the best way to drive innovation is the lab model. I like to say, if I give the same task to ten different people, I would expect different solutions. In fact, if I gave the same task to the same person ten different times, I would expect different results as the individual learned, created and innovated. This is the lab model.
We’ve taken this idea to heart in everything we do, from our global financial innovation labs (FinLabs) to our Structured Project Execution & Engineering Discipline (SPEED) framework that many of our clients have adopted to understand their maturity from a delivery perspective. Yes, with the lab approach you may have to scrap nine ideas to get that one really good one – but you create the opportunity to generate that one really good idea that would not have existed otherwise. And, it only takes one to have a significant business impact.
Businesses can apply this approach to major initiatives or smaller day-to-day activities. A classic example is the simple, static PowerPoint. Instead of using the same document for every presentation and meeting, experiment with different content, presentation styles and concepts to learn through trial and error what resonates, excites and generates successful outcomes.
That is why we are looking at exciting new technologies in blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) and experimenting with applications for natural language processing (NLP), chatbots, robo-investors and other areas where we see an opportunity to create something tangible.
The lab model is part of what sets us apart from other companies, and while we offer competitive salaries and benefits for top tech talent around the globe, it is the excitement that kicks in around the opportunity to work on new projects that keeps our people engaged and innovating. And, as an entrepreneur and engineer, I am continually energized by the opportunity to build and innovate.