csi Newsletter 2022 english

2022 

macsi_mum 

SIMPLY IMPRESSIVE!

CONTENTS 

04 | 

CSI HELPS THE BMW M5 CS TO REACH TOP FORM 

06 | 

CSI EXPANDS ITS CONSULTING SERVICE 

08 | 

CRASH STRUCTURES IN ELECTRIC VEHICLES 

09 | 

THE NEW ALU-CAR HEADQUARTERS 

10 | 

WELCOME TO THE GALACSI 

14 | 

12 | 

THE CSI LIGHT SHINES BRIGHT 

LEGAL 

CONSIDERING SUSTAINABILITY FROM THE OUTSET 

16 | 

11 | ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT SEAT WINS GOLD DESIGN AWARD For ease of legibility, 

we use the generic 

male form in our 

FLOW AND FLUID SIMULATIONS 

writing. However, this 

wording is intended to 

include all genders, as 

we wish to address all 

people equally. 

DISCLAIMER 

Publisher: 

csi Verwaltungs GmbH 

Robert-Mayer-Strasse 10 

74172 Neckarsulm, Germany 

Phone +49 (0)7132 93 26-0 

18 | 

EXTERNAL STIMULUS: KAUFMANN/LANGHANS STRATEGY CONSULTING 

Design & Production: 

PROJEKT X Artwork GmbH 

Oststrasse 81 

74072 Heilbronn, Germany 

Phone +49 (0)7131 61687-0 

www.px-artwork.de 

Editors: 

BAMBERG kommunikation GmbH 

Lise-Meitner-Strasse 6 

74074 Heilbronn, Germany 

Phone +49 (0)7131 72472-0 

www.agentur-bamberg.de 

Images: 

csi, iStock, shutterstock, 

Kaufmann/Langhans, 

Steffi Rost Fotografie

2022 | macsi_mum | 03 

DEAR 

READERS, 

Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. 

Although this is familiar territory for csi, as this approach 

was often needed even before the pandemic: changing 

perspectives, a pro-active approach – simply getting things 

done – and, above all, not burying our heads in the sand. 

Otherwise you end up, as the saying goes, "getting your butt 

kicked". Look forward, with a grateful eye on the past. Have 

the courage to forge new paths. That promotes versatility, 

provides inspiration and opens up new horizons. But we do 

not regard these as empty words and are more than happy 

to nail our flag to the mast: "We are developing the future. 

Mobility. People." 

We are developing mobility. That's our passion. Even 

when everything was on hold, we were implementing exciting 

projects for our customers (pages 4, 8, 11, 12 and 16), 

expanded our consulting expertise (page 6) and were on the 

move ourselves by relocating ALU-CAR to our Winterberg 

site (page 9). 

We are developing people. Helping to shape the mobility 

of the future with innovative ideas and concepts – that’s 

what drives us. We need a strong crew to make that happen. 

And, like the future itself, it never stays still and is always 

moving forward: "Welcome to the GALAcsi" (page 10). 

We are developing the future. We have used these 

changing times to rethink our strategic process with external 

support and to continually practise and implement it 

(page 18). After all, as we said, we don't move forward by 

standing still. 

Look towards the future with us, 

Your Steffen Boll 

REGISTER NOW! 

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04 | macsi_mum | 2022 

CSI HELPS THE BMW M5 CS TO REACH TOP FORM 

THANKS TO A CRASH DIET 

READY FOR ANY 

COMPETITION 

BOXERS AND OTHER MARTIAL ARTISTS SWEAR BY DEHYDRATION TO "HIT THEIR WEIGHT" 

JUST BEFORE A COMPETITION. DEHYDRATION FORCES THEIR TRAINED BODIES INTO A LOWER 

WEIGHT CLASS SO THAT THEY ENCOUNTER SUPPOSEDLY WEAKER OPPONENTS.


FROM L TO R TOBIAS ZOLLNER, 

ANDREAS GOLLWITZER AND 

DOMINIK SCHWARZ, NATURALLY 

SOCIALLY DISTANCED, 

SHOWCASING THE CFRP BONNET 

The new BMW M5 CS is 70 kg lighter on the 

scales than the standard model thanks to its 

innovative carbon fibre-reinforced plastic components. 

This makes it lighter, but also more 

than prepared to take on any competition. 

Because unlike athletes, the most powerful 

BMW series ever hasn’t lost any power or substance 

during this process – in fact, quite the 

opposite. The Munich csi team was one of its 

key trainers, and gave the latest BMW M GmbH 

model its showpiece shape. In record time. 

READY FOR THE RING! 

Considerably lighter, yet with more horsepower 

and so another three tenths of a second faster 

from 0 to 100 km/h – put simply, that’s what 

the M5 CS brings to the table. That’s also what 

it has to play with on the racetrack – say on the 

north loop of the Hockenheimring. The driver 

benefit from the fact that everything in or on it is 

designed for maximum racing fun lap after lap, 

guaranteed. 

READY FOR THE NEXT MOVE. 

The fact that it is not designed as a plaything, 

but rather for serious driving and winning race 

is obvious from a first look at the M5’s hardcore 

sibling. The Munich csi team once again played 

a key role in its well-defined muscles, that is 

its striking exterior. The team under Marco 

Zengerle, csi Team Leader for exterior and 

lightweight construction in Munich, has been 

involved in many BMW M projects for over 

11 years. The team has enjoyed such great 

success that the orders have become everlarger 

over time and csi has been handed more 

and more responsibility. When the team received 

the enquiry about design and component 

responsibility for the M5 CS in October 

2018, it was ready. And thanks to its experience 

acquired over many years in developing and 

implementing BMW M projects, it was also ideally 

equipped to fulfil the customer's exacting 

requests within the shortest possible time. 

TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND 

KNUCKLE DOWN. 

"We considered bronze gold for the aerodynamically 

and functionally key components, such as 

the CFRP front splitter, the CFRP rear diffuser 

and the CFRP rear spoiler, as well as a CFRP bonnet 

with air vents and various decorative trim 

elements," explains Tobias Zollner, the csi Project 

Manager responsible for the project in 

Munich, explaining the extent of the contract. 

These are the parts that ensure that the BMW M5 

CS unleashes its full power on the road and does 

not lift up even at its top speed of 305 km/h. 

"It was the same for our team. We also had to 

stay on track with the development despite the 

massive time pressure and the odd annoyance 

– I mean technical challenge," continues Tobi- 

as Zollner, remembering the peak phase of the 

demanding project. "To maintain the fast speed, 

we relied on Simultaneous Engineering (SE) in 

the team – as is so often the case. We worked on 

different tasks and their solutions in parallel and 

managed to bring the project safely across the 

finish line despite the shortened development 

time." 

RICH PICKINGS 

FOR DESIGN FANS. 

A special feature of the project was the weight 

reduction requested by BMW M GmbH, which 

also involved the exterior. 

"The design of our innovative CFRP components 

coupled with weight reduction through targeted 

minimisation of acoustic insulation enabled 

us to ultimately shed several kilogrammes and 

contribute to the required weight reduction." 

We don’t know whether the members of the 

csi Munich team also lost weight during 

the – at times – stressful project or if comfort 

eating when working on the spoilers piled 

on the pounds. But we do know that our 

colleagues in Munich are already working on 

the next white-blue project. We are certain 

it will be another great success. Functional, 

on schedule and, above all, visually on point. 

We are excited to see the result!


CSI CONSULTING 

WITH KNOWLEDGE, 

EXPERIENCE 

AND CONCEPTS 

CSI EXPANDS ITS CONSULTING SERVICE 

FOR OVER 26 YEARS, CSI HAS ACQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE IN THE MOBILITY 

INDUSTRY. THIS HAS ENABLED IT TO DEVELOP EXTENSIVE EXPERTISE AS A DEVELOPMENT 

SERVICE PROVIDER AND COMPANY CONSULTANT. 

For many years, our csi Munich office has 

Whereas, previously, our expertise was called 

they need to be able to fly – unlike the model 

volves complex questions and often fears and 

been known for its excellent consulting ser- 

for with automotive and mobility projects, in 

presented by former German Transport Minister 

concerns on the part of the people affected. 

vice. In 2021, csi also successfully established 

recent times, we have received more and more 

Scheuer – they also need to be incorporated 

Expertise, clear communication and operation- 

consulting at its Neckarsulm, Gaimersheim 

requests from other sectors of industry. This is 

within a sustainable mobility concept. 

al support with determination and intuitive 

and Weissach sites. Thanks to our specialist 

knowledge in Class A finishes, body work, 

certainly also due to the fact that, in many respects, 

the automotive sector serves as a mod- 

INTOXICATING ENERGY. 

awareness of change processes are just a few of 

our qualities. We help to clear obstacles, bring 

lightweight construction, interiors, exteri- 

el for other industries, among other things in 

The consulting field has been heavily expanded 

all the project stakeholders on board and con- 

ors, electrics/electronics and simulation, we 

terms of its organisational structures. Norman 

at our sites in Neckarsulm, Gaimersheim and 

figure faster, smoother and more cost-effective 

can answer almost all current and future 

Maßek, who leads our project management 

Weissach since January 2021 under the man- 

processes. Our Consulting Portfolio (on the 

enquiries, and thereby contribute to respon- 

and consulting team in Munich, increasingly 

agement of Andreas Lübeck. With his many 

right) equips us perfectly to bring even the most 

sibly designing the future every day. 

has his sights set on the aviation industry. This 

years of experience in consulting, he has made 

complex subjects and processes across the fin- 

MOVING TIMES. 

is because, as a trained aerospace engineer he 

has not lost any of his passion for aircraft. But 

a massive contribution to bidding for and winning 

various projects – including projects from 

ish line and support customers on a level – in 

mobility and many other sectors. Theoretically 

Our consulting services have been in increasing 

it is also because there are many companies 

different sectors. 

and also practically in situ. 

demand for some time, as the world is changing 

more and more rapidly and fundamentally. 

in and around Munich working in this sector. 

The projects Norman and his team are working 

Regardless of the csi site, csi consulting repre- 

RELIABLE PREDICTIONS. 

Whether we are looking at analyzing and opti- 

on are extremely wide-ranging. In one project 

sents an energetic, solution-orientated and inte- 

"A pound of pluck is worth more than a tonne of 

mising structures and processes, developing 

funded by the German federal government, in 

grated consulting service. 

luck!" is one of Andreas' guiding principles. The 

and implementing change management or preparing 

the basis for strategic decisions and rec- 

which csi is involved, the focus is on the conditions 

– including the infrastructure – that need 

A TAILWIND FOR CUSTOMERS. 

same could be said of many of our consultants. 

ommending actions to be taken – we are now be- 

to be created to use and sensibly deploy "flying 

We support our customers in their change pro- 

The ideas and concepts which we develop for 

ing called on board more and more frequently. 

taxisin the near future. Apart from the fact that 

cesses. Because every new direction also in- 

our customers with our head and heart also

OVER 


YEARS 

OF EXPERIENCE 

ANDREAS LÜBECK 

CONSULTING MANAGER, 

CSI NECKARSULM, GAIMERSHEIM & WEISSACH 

NORMAN MASSEK 

PROJECT MANAGEMENT & CONSULTING MANAGER, 

CSI MUNICH 

need to work in practice. We focus is on making 

consultancy concepts operational. Standing by 

our customers, supporting them during the implementation 

phase, being there when things 

come to life and when the project is a success 

are the most important and intensive moments 

in this process. 

We are all on a journey from a knowledge-based 

society to a concept-based society. Whoever develops 

viable concepts from existing knowledge 

most quickly will set themselves apart from the 

competition. Successful collaboration is another 

aspect critical for success. Value chains that 

correspond to your internal values and complement 

your strengths will create the market of 

tomorrow. Get in touch with us if you are considering 

equipping your projects, processes and 

organisation to cope with future issues. 

Our Consulting Portfolio includes 

professionally certified project 

management in accordance with 

IPMA® Standard Levels D to B, Intacs 

certified Provisional Assessors for 

Automotive SPICE, certified Systems 

Engineers, expertise in traditional 

and agile project worlds, change 

management, transformation and 

coaching. 

We look forward to many exciting projects 

with you!


CRASH STRUCTURES IN ELECTRIC VEHICLES 

HEAD- 

ON 

A head-on collision with an electric vehicle. That could be a horror scenario. 

Or, as in our case, an interesting and successful joint project with acs, Automotive Center 

Südwestfalen GmbH. Together with eleven further collaborative partners, we, that is ALU-CAR, 

considered the differences in the body works of electric vehicles compared to combustion 

engine models in accidents. The entire project was entitled "LACEF – Load path appropriate 

design of crash structures in electric vehicles". The fact that there is no solid engine block 

with electric drives changes the fundamental conditions and structures. The vehicle weight 

thus increases due to the traction battery, and the centre of gravity shifts. Apart from developing 

innovative concepts, the focus within the project body was also on achieving a fundamental 

understanding of crash-relevant structures in the frame vehicle front. We think we achieved – 

together with the 11 other companies involved and acs, which was responsible for the project – 

and were able to contribute towards developing interesting approaches. 

INTELLIGENT MIXED AND 

LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION: 

ESSENTIAL IN ELECTRIC 

VEHICLES. 

ACCIDENT-FREE: 

FROM COMBUSTION VEHICLES 

TO ELECTRIC MOBILITY. 

The objective of the project was to understand 

HALF A DOZEN IDEAS. 

Twelve project partners, six concepts – that’s a 

good average and it shows that there is more 

than one correct answer or solution in struc- 

A plethora of new ideas and contacts resulted 

from the cooperation with companies and experts 

from various sectors, from which we at 

ALU-CAR will also certainly benefit. That is why 

We need to take into account the altered general 

the altered conditions in electric vehicles and 

ture optimisation as well. You can reach the 

we would like to thank acs for the opportunity 

conditions to enable people to walk away from 

develop alternative load path concepts with 

goal along different paths, depending on your 

to be involved in this joint project, as well as all 

a crash in an electric car unscathed. That means 

the help of simulation models. To do this, an FE 

preferred designs, materials and manufactur- 

the project partners for the truly constructive 

that the hollow cavity, that is the area in which 

model of a real combustion engine vehicle was 

ing technologies. In the Automotive Center 

time. 

the engine block would usually be mounted, 

converted into a simple electric model then and 

Südwestfalen GmbH LACEF project, two differ- 

needs to be filled or stabilised in another way. 

there. It was clear even from the first investiga- 

ent concepts with a comparable crash perfor- 

If you would like to find out more about this pro- 

That is also best accomplished in this case with 

tions: the structures of the vehicle front of an 

mance were ultimately implemented and de- 

ject, more information and a short video about 

sound knowledge and experience. We are ex- 

electric vehicle experience significantly higher 

veloped in detail as the project progressed. The 

the two concepts can be viewed 

perts in materials, joining techniques and ma- 

loads in a crash than combustion engine models 

main load path in the two alternatives varies 

at the following link: www. 

terial interfaces, as we have already developed 

in which the engine block absorbs much of the 

while the lower and upper support load paths 

acs-innovations.de/leistungen/ 

body concepts for different types of drive as an 

energy. No surprises there, but this represent- 

are identical. 

verbundprojekte/lacef 

established vehicle developer and lightweight 

ed the initial basis for finding alternatives in a 

construction specialist. Of course, we were 

multi-stage development process. A total of six 

Concept I involves extruded aluminium profiles 

more than happy to apply this knowledge and 

possible concept drawings were developed with 

which form a framework structure, an approach 

expertise to the joint LACEF project and look at 

the help of FEM analysis, which determines the 

that could be described as traditional. Concept 

"design work" in our role as project partner. We 

fatigue strength and deformation of solid bod- 

II is clearly more unconventional: it involves an 

were also available to the other project stake- 

ies with a geometrically complex shape, cou- 

innovative sandwich sheet steel structure which 

holders in an advisory capacity for crash design. 

pled with various optimisation programmes. 

absorbs the impact energy and meets the speci- 

These initial, rough designs were compared 

fied target parameters. 

and discussed with the experts and companies 

involved. 

SEBASTIAN OCHSENFELD, 

LACEF PROJECT MANAGER


FIRST CLASS! 

THE NEW 

ALU-CAR HEADQUARTERS 

IF, LIKE ALU-CAR, OUR WINTERBERG- 

BASED LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION 

SPECIALIST, YOU ARE IN THE BUSINESS 

OF DEVELOPING CUSTOMISED 

SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR CLIENTS, 

YOU UNDOUBTEDLY HAVE YOUR 

HANDS FULL AT THE MOMENT. 

BECAUSE NEW IDEAS, CONSTRUCTIVE 

DISCUSSIONS AND INNOVATIVE 

CONCEPTS ARE IN HIGHER DEMAND 

THAN EVER. THAT IS WHY IT IS ALSO 

NO SURPRISE THAT OUR TEAM, 

WHICH HAS BEEN LED BY VOLKER 

MERKS SINCE 2011, HAS CONTINUED 

TO GROW. 

The flexibility, creativity and ideas generated by 

all these bright minds was now also in demand 

for an internal project. Although Winterberg offers 

everything you would expect from a perfect 

winter sports and holiday resort, it has considerably 

less of what a growing company needs. In 

specific terms, it has almost no commercial and 

office space suitable for the concept design and 

development of lightweight construction body 

architectures and vehicle structures, battery 

frames, calculations and simulations. 

AS THERE WAS NOTHING 

SUITABLE FAR AND WIDE, THEY 

DID WHAT NEEDED TO BE DONE: 

colleagues from Winterberg, who are also experts 

in joint technology, connected up various 

things together to create a perfect solution. To 

create the new ALU-CAR company headquarters, 

two smaller existing buildings were joined into 

a single large office space with the help of a connecting 

building. In all honesty, we didn’t do it 

ourselves, but, as future tenants, we helped to 

design the plans. The particular challenge was 

that the buildings to be connected up were not 

standing around in any old place, they were 

right in the very heart of Winterberg. The fact 

that the new headquarters were built on an 

existing building floorplan did not exactly simplify 

the structural testing, approval process 

and the construction phase. Nonetheless, it was 

completed. 

We are happy that our colleagues can enjoy the 

new spacious offices with state-of-the-art equipment. 

We hope there will soon be an opportunity 

to raise a glass together on the roof terrace 

of the new company headquarters. Cheers and 

enjoy settling in!

H 

N 


A P P L Y 

N O W 

C 

U 

F 

O 

R 

L 

A 

WELCOME TO THE 

IT'S TRULY INCREDIBLE WHAT WE SOMETIMES HAVE TO WORK WITH ON BEHALF 

OF OUR CUSTOMERS. THERE ARE SOME SUPER-INNOVATIVE AND COOL PROJECTS. 

BUT OF COURSE, WE CANNOT REPORT ON THEM WITHOUT APPROVAL. 

IT’S A SHAME, BUT IT’S A MATTER OF HONOUR FOR US. 

Confidential remains confidential. You could 

THE GALACSI MISSION. 

is so big and multi-faceted to accommodate 

Even though we often think in terms of light- 

say that a black hole would reveal more than 

At a first glance, our "GALAcsi" may come across 

everyone: career-starters who have just gradu- 

years, in our hearts we are always in the here 

we do. The only way to find out what is going 

a little aloof to some, but it has every right to be 

ated, people with initial professional experience 

and now. Ultimately, it takes a solid grounding 

on in the voracious regions of the universe is to 

so. Because we would rather fly a bit too high 

who now want to take the next step, or experts 

and life-work balance to arrive at the launchpad 

visit them. It’s the same with us. Except with us, 

than too low with our ideas and concepts. Reali- 

who have grown too big for their current uni- 

(or office!) relaxed and ready to get to work. 

you’ll come back out again – that is, if you want 

ty often hits home soon enough. When we speak 

verse and want to explore uncharted territory 

to. Because in our team you will have plenty of 

of the "future of mobility", something we work 

with their expert knowledge. 

SOUNDS INTERESTING? 

room to develop, unlike in a black hole, where 

on with great passion day in day out, it truly is 

Then check out galacsi.de to see where we are 

things are more than cramped. Just like that, 

that. Among other things, we also develop con- 

By uncharted territory, we mean innovative 

currently looking for new crew members. Or 

we’ve arrived at this important subject: our new 

cepts that operate beyond road traffic per se or 

technologies and processes as well as mobility 

send us a speculative application and tell us 

careers platform and the associated HR cam- 

are intended to alleviate it. 

solutions people have never thought of before. 

which planet you currently find yourself on and 

paign. Instead of writing anymore about black 

Although, terrestrially, this can also be under- 

what you have been up to there. We look for- 

holes, come with us into our ‘GALAcsi‘, where 

We are therefore looking for crew members to 

stood as meaning moving to one of our ten sites 

ward to receiving a signal from you. 

you can discover the infinite opportunities and 

join us who have a vision about the course we 

here in Germany. Because, by joining us, you 

perhaps even your new career within our cor- 

need to take in future. People who also want to 

can opt for the site of your choice or the one 

porate group. Because anyone who wants to 

make these ideas a reality. At the speed of light 

closest to your family. 

design the future of mobility together with us is 

or zero-g, or at least not weighed down by cir- 

welcome on board. 

cumstances. Everyone who joins us will find precisely 

the infrastructure and the freedom they 

need to think future-centrically. Our "GALAcsi" 

GET AN INSIGHT 

INTO GALACSI AT: 

WWW.GALACSI.DE


CSI, AMC AND ALBA AWARDED FOR PROTOTYPES 

SIT! 

#ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT SEAT 

WINS GOLD 

DESIGN AWARD 

HOW DO YOU CLEAN UP IN THE "EXCELLENT PRODUCT 

DESIGN" CATEGORY OF THE GERMAN DESIGN AWARD 2021, 

ONE OF THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL 

DESIGN AWARDS? WITH EASE OF COURSE, IF YOU ASK US. 

AS A LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION AND CLASS A SPECIALIST, 

WE NEVER MAKE THINGS UNNECESSARILY DIFFICULT FOR OURSELVES. 

ADMITTEDLY, ACHIEVING THE GOAL IS NOT ALWAYS QUITE SO EASY, 

BUT MAYBE THAT IS PRECISELY WHAT SPURS US ON. 

That‘s also the reason why we really gave this concept our all. 

Together with our partners, Automotive Management Consulting 

(AMC) and Alba tooling & engineering GmbH and thanks 

to the digital process chain, in just seven months, we were able to 

design and produce the #ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT SEAT. It was this 

product that, so to speak, knocked the international jury of the 

German Design Award out of their seats. At least, they seemed 

fairly impressed in announcing their decision: "The ultra-lightweight 

seat represents a completely redefined vehicle seat, due 

to the intelligent use of various innovative manufacturing technologies. 

This has resulted in an innovative vehicle seat which, 

with its sports-techno styling and striking surface aesthetic, reflects 

the demand for comfort, high-tech and progressivity, right 

down to the last details. At the same time, the design allows for 

flexible adjustment to individual customer requirements." We 

couldn’t have put it any better ourselves. Which is why we’re 

putting a full-stop here and basking in our success. 

LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION TEAM RECORD. 

"We are delighted with this award. It underlines the fact that we 

deliver excellent performance in terms of technology, but also 

design. It is this combination that we will use to design the mobility 

of the future," explains a delighted Kai Kisseberth, Managing 

Director, csi entwicklungstechnik GmbH. 

But enough celebrating, let‘s continue with the facts and figures 

about our #ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT SEAT, for which we systematically 

adhered to the mantra "form follows strength": As project 

managers, we were responsible for the extraordinary design, 

among other things. We relied on collaboration with six other 

strong partners from Germany and Austria in its development 

and realisation. Alongside ourselves, AMC and Alba were the key 

initiators of this project. AMC provided the specially conceived 

winding process for composite fibre components and thus the 

fundamental basis for the unusually light seat weight. Weighting 

just ten kilogrammes, our award-winning #ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT 

SEAT is around 20 percent lighter than competitors’ products. 

Our project partner Alba tooling & engineering brought the required 

manufacturing and tool technology to the project, built 

the highly-complex tools, and was responsible for the final assembly 

of the seat. Thanks to the highly innovative manufacturing 

technology xFK in 3D, structural components made from 

glass, carbon or natural fibre-reinforced plastics were perfectly 

designed for their function and load spectrum and were produced 

three-dimensionally. In other words, we use the flexibility 

offered by metal and plastic 3D printing or xFK in 3DTM 

and simply leave out the things we don’t need. This saves a lot 

of weight and density and leaves us with infinite design freedom 

for an individual, sustainable and yet comfortable design. The 

German Design Award 2021 judging panel also indicated that 

weight has long been a key factor in vehicle construction and 

rated this positively. 

GETTING DREAMS OFF THE GOUND. 

In formulating the concept and developing this prototype, we 

once again strayed from the trodden path and pushed the boundaries 

of what is possible – regardless of whether we were dealing 

with the concept, design, Class A finish or digital process chain. 

We began by completely rethinking the concept of a vehicle seat 

and throwing everything out for which previously no alternative 

could be found. Every individual component for this seat 

concept has been redesigned on a clean slate using innovative, 

resource-conserving technology. Why did we do that? Because 

we are constantly thinking about what the mobility of the future 

should look like and how we can make it even more efficient. If 

we actually do find ourselves travelling by air taxis or mini-helicopters 

at some stage, then ideally in safety and style, right? 

Our #ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT SEAT is designed precisely for this, as 

well as for hypercars and sports cars. It is precisely this flexible 

concept that scooped the "Excellent Product Design" category of 

the German Design Award. After all, this prize awards innovative, 

pioneering products. And what could be more pioneering than 

leaving the traffic jams behind in an air taxi? 

Alongside the innovators on this project – csi entwicklungstechnik 

GmbH, Alba tooling & engineering GmbH and Automotive 

Management Consulting (AMC) – 3D|CORE, Robert Hofmann 

GmbH, covestro, LBK and climatex were all involved in the seat 

development. 

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL OUR 

PROJECT PARTNERS FOR THEIR – LITERALLY – 

CONSTRUCTIVE COLLABORATION.


THE CSI LIGHT DESIGN 

EN 

ROUTE 

TO 

ENLIGHTEN- 

MENT 

CAN YOU STILL REMEMBER THE 

DARKNESS OF THE LAST MILLENNIUM? 

BACK THEN, THE ONLY INTERIOR 

LIGHT IN A VEHICLE WAS A SMALL 

GLIMMER ABOVE THE REAR VIEW 

MIRROR WHICH TENTATIVELY STARTED 

GLOWING WHEN THE DOOR WAS OPENED. 

THINGS WERE PRETTY DULL IN TERMS 

OF AMBIENT LIGHTING AND OTHER 

LIGHTS BACK THEN. ADMITTEDLY, 

THERE WERE TIMES WHEN THE LACK 

OF LIGHTING WASN’T A PROBLEM, 

BUT THAT’S NOT THE POINT. AFTER 

ALL, AT CSI WE ULTIMATELY WANT 

TO SHED LIGHT ON THE DARKNESS – 

WITH THIS ARTICLE TOO.


SVEN KÜBLER, 

CLUSTER INTERIOR PROJECT MANAGER 

What if we could warn a cyclist that the car door 

of the parked car in front of them was about to 

open? And at the same time warn the driver of 

AT THE SPEED OF LIGHT. 

the vehicle with a signal in the door trim that a 

DEVELOPING THE FUTURE. 

cyclist is approaching from the rear? All this is 

just look impressive, but also have a wonderful 

As any expert will tell you: lighting will always be 

feasible – and at csi it is already in the realisa- 

feel to them. That’s because the ultra-modern 

of the essence. Firstly, it affects the customisa- 

tion phase. After all, we want to do more than 

EL films can be integrated into the surfaces of 

tion of vehicles: even today distinctive light sig- 

just talk about exciting issues, such as these. 

ON THE LIGHT SIDE OF POWER. 

wood or textiles and combined with 100% recy- 

natures and styles already differentiate different 

Our most recent projects are already sending 

Door trims are ideal for demonstrating how 

clable lightweight construction materials, such 

models and accentuate their characters. And 

pioneering light signals into the future. 

functionality, design and sustainability can be 

as EEP foams and "vegan" materials. Naturally 

anyone who wants even more personalisation 

perfectly combined with innovative concepts. 

without compromising in terms of function or 

can configure the vehicle lighting, as well as the 

This is despite or indeed precisely because of 

durability. Even if all you need to do is position 

exterior and interior lighting, to their personal 

PIONEERING: 

the complex structure that needs to be consid- 

your hand near the switch to activate it, thanks 

taste. However, up to now the choice has been 

OUR COLLABORATIVE 

ered by aligning the most varied materials, safe- 

to capacitive sensors, it doesn’t matter if you 

relatively limited. A light strip here, a dimmer 

LIGHTHOUSE PROJECT. 

ty requirements and surfaces. The cradle-to-cra- 

accidentally activate the door trim with your 

there and an extra highlight somewhere else 

We developed this innovative project in collabo- 

dle principle, that is the requirement that all 

elbows. The EL and our Smart Surfaces can 

– that’s essentially it. Until now. Alongside info- 

ration with our partners who, just like us, prefer 

components of a product can be recycled or 

easily withstand it. Certainly more easily than 

tainment, lighting is set to assume an important 

to take matters into their own hands. Some- 

reused in a consistent quality, was a core guid- 

a cyclist who needs to be prepared for vehicle 

role in the vehicle interiors of the future. It is set 

thing they are highly capable of doing. Work- 

ing principle in the development and a factor 

doors unexpectedly opening. 

to make "waiting times", whether during charg- 

ing with Heilbronn-based XtraDynamics UG, 

in component selection. The C2C aspect is also 

ing or being driven around, as pleasant as possi- 

Münsingen-based Eissmann Individual GmbH, 

one of the reasons why, in our project team, we 

That’s why we hope that our light signals will be 

ble for the vehicle driver and passengers. 

Rutesheim-based JOYSONQUIN Automotive 

firmly believe in the return of – no, not the Jedi 

understood and that our door trim will inspire 

Systems GmbH, Sage Automotive Interiors and 

Knights – but electroluminescence (EL). That’s 

our customers to join us in developing complete 

Taracell AG from the Swiss town of Künten, we 

because this comparatively old technology 

vehicle interiors that will almost be too good 

A LIGHT SAYS MORE THAN A 

are jointly opening a door to a new world of driv- 

provides us with the freedom to rethink things 

to just travel from A to B in them. At the same 

THOUSAND WORDS. 

ing and being driven. We, that is the csi project 

sustainably. We want to demonstrate that elec- 

time, we will be helping to make mobility more 

Light is designed to, and indeed does, create 

team, which includes three Bachelor degree 

troluminescence and ultra-modern EL films 

comfortable, entertaining and safer for all road 

a good atmosphere and a sense of well-being. 

students and an intern, alongside the old hands, 

conceal a design-based and informative power 

users. Sounds enticing, right? 

Used correctly, lighting can be very entertain- 

considered which components we could sensi- 

that we have scarcely tapped into to date. 

ing in two respects: holograms and simulations 

bly achieve this with to kick off the project. As 

can be played to pass the time and entertain the 

developers, we always like to think years ahead 

passengers in the vehicle. Lighting can also be 

and assume that the dash panel and central 

THE JOY OF 360-DEGREE LIGHT. 

used as a central communication tool. No, not 

console will disappear from vehicles in future. 

When you know how to, you can achieve ho- 

by flashing the headlights, but by using signals 

But to keep the vehicle occupants safe, there 

mogenous, non-glaring light effects with EL – 

to flag up hazardous situations in our environ- 

will certainly need to be some kind of doors in 

and even on surfaces we wouldn’t have dared to 

ment, such as black ice or obstacles in the driv- 

future. So, the decision was made. 

think about until now. The light film specialists 

ing lane. Or by using special lighting to indicate 

XtraDynamics and the trim and interior experts 

that we are driving in autonomous mode. 

Eissmann Individual were the perfect partners 

to help us bring our lighting models and 

designs to life. And, thanks to JOYSONQUIN 

Automotive Systems and Taracell, they don’t


CSI ENTWICKLUNGSTECHNIK 

GET 

IT RIGHT 

INSTEAD OF 

MAKING IT 

GOOD 

THE STRATEGISTS AT CSI ARE CONVINCED THAT ANYONE WHO BELIEVES THAT THEY CAN 

TICK OFF SUSTAINABILITY BY BUYING CARBON CERTIFICATES IS REALLY NO UP WITH THE TIMES. 

SUSTAINABLE "GREENWASHING" COMES WITH ENORMOUS RISKS: 

FIRSTLY, IT IS ONLY A TEMPORARY SOLUTION WHICH SYSTEMATICALLY COMES AT A COST. 

SECONDLY, DELAYING TRULY SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTS GIVES NEW MARKET PLAYERS OPPORTUNITIES 

FOR GROWTH. SOME ARE ALREADY IN THE STARTING BLOCKS. SO IT IS MORE URGENT THAN 

EVER TO ACT SUSTAINABLY YOUR POSITION IN THE MARKET NOW AND N FUTURE.


csi entwicklungstechnik GmbH has been 

THE RISK OF GREENWASHING. 

However, for the promising transformation in 

Two things first need to be clarified: firstly, the 

supporting automotive manufacturers and 

In the medium term, no company can afford to 

the mobility industry to be successful, we need 

future does not simply happen, it comes about 

suppliers in developing future-capable prod- 

completely ignore the issue of sustainability. 

to develop "green" products from the outset. 

through decisions. It is therefore important to 

ucts and concepts and managing the trans- 

That’s because even today, sustainability re- 

This means they need to be designed from 

make conscious decisions, as they open up new 

formation process for over 25 years. From 

quirements are playing an additional new and 

the get-go so that there are no "sustainability 

possibilities, while closing others down at the 

collaborating with customers and also our 

significant role alongside traditional customer 

hot spots" that need to be compensated for or 

same time. For example: am I looking to develop 

company’s own knowledge, Steffen Boll and 

requirements, such as added value at a reason- 

ironed out further down the line. The only long- 

a sustainable product or do I actually just want 

Dr Stefan Herrmann appreciate the enormous 

able price. What is the solution? At the moment, 

term, sensible way is to avoid carbon emissions 

to sell the old one sustainably? Secondly, we 

potential sustainable business offers and give 

many companies are simply trying to outsource 

by front loading in the product design and de- 

shouldn’t be focused on the result, but rather on 

us an insight in this article. 

the issue of sustainability or transfer it to others. 

velopment processes. This means identifying 

designing our method of reaching the end ob- 

Either by "greenwashing" their products as an 

the weakest links in the process chain in terms 

jective as ideally as possible. Where are changes 

THE NEXT GENERATION OF 

afterthought or by obliging their suppliers to 

of sustainability, taking them into consideration 

or adjustments necessary? How do I configure 

BUSINESS OR NO BUSINESS - 

keep the supply chain ‘clean’. However, more 

and eliminating them as early as possible. Fur- 

the transition to the new product? How can I 

THAT IS THE QUESTION. 

and more companies are starting to appreciate 

ther comprehensive simulation approaches and 

stimulate desire and curiosity in the company to 

The mobility of the future needs to be individu- 

that this is not a good idea, and that this trans- 

system models are needed for this within digital 

consider things differently than before? 

al, versatile, simple and comfortable, but above 

feral tactic represents a real risk. That’s because 

twinning, in addition to traditional domain-spe- 

all, sustainable. That means being climate- 

only companies that regard sustainable busi- 

cific approaches, such as supply and cost man- 

CSI – PART OF THE NEXT 

neutral – all the stakeholders agree on this. 

ness as an opportunity and uncompromisingly 

agement, product lifecycle management, and so 

GENERATION OF BUSINESS 

However, many companies are still unclear as 

base all processes on this principle, will survive. 

on. In future, good and effective management in 

FOR OVER 25 YEARS. 

to how to create mobility services and prod- 

And above all will retain most of their future 

the mobility industry must aim for companies 

These are all questions that csi entwicklung- 

ucts that are truly environmentally friendly and 

potential turnover in their own hands. This ap- 

to base their own value creation processes on a 

stechnik has been intensively considering for 

sustainable. This is fundamentally important 

plies to all sectors, but particularly the mobility 

cybernetic, self-regulating system. The resulting 

over a quarter of a century. As a reliable spar- 

as consumers are now demanding responsible 

industry. 

products will then be considered from a "green" 

ring partner in the automotive industry, which 

solutions. The pressure to act ecologically, that 

perspective from the outset and can be realised 

specialises in design and project management 

is the "green pressure" exerted on business by 

CONSIDERING SUSTAINABILITY 

accordingly. 

along the digital process chain, this lightweight 

politicians and also by consumers, is already 

FROM THE OUTSET. 

design specialist has delivered practical and 

very noticeable. It is also set to become great- 

Today, sustainability requirements in the mobil- 

AWAKENING THE DESIRE FOR 

process-ready solutions and concepts from the 

er, through the next generation of buyers and 

ity sector are generally taken into consideration 

SUSTAINABLE CHANGES. 

get-go. With over 500 employees at ten sites 

users as well. This "new ecology" is the most 

too late in the development process – if at all. 

The most important prerequisite for this is a 

across Germany, the team of experts works in 

powerful megatrend of our time. It is creating a 

For instance, we consider the carbon footprint 

fundamental rethink. The issue of sustaina- 

the fields of Class A finishes, body work, light- 

new awareness in more and more people as to 

of the raw materials used and evaluate the ori- 

bility and its importance for the success of a 

weight construction, interiors, exteriors, elec- 

how we need to treat our planet for there to be a 

gin as well as the energy spent in extraction or 

product needs to be instilled into the minds 

trics/electronics, simulation, and consulting. It 

future. This leads to companies currently focus- 

production. The in-use phase of the product 

of everyone involved in a project. The attitude 

also enshrines the issues of sustainability in the 

ing more strongly on the well-being of people, 

can also be evaluated in terms of sustainability 

that "sustainable means expensive" is far too 

company itself. From employee development, 

society and nature – through sustainable and 

today. Supply chain-based and part list-based 

prevalent – this is both short-sighted and incor- 

energy production at its sites, resource and 

responsible business. Stakeholders in all sec- 

approaches are used alongside an analysis of 

rect. As "green pressure" will grow, we can only 

waste management – responsibility for people, 

tors – including the mobility industry – face the 

materials, weights, volumes and logistics. This 

guarantee that the entire potential future profit 

climate and the environment is firmly anchored 

decision about whether their own company be- 

all sounds well and good, but there is an impor- 

will remain within the company through sus- 

in the csi’s DNA. 

comes part of this "next generation of business". 

tant catch: the above assumes a high degree of 

tainable solutions. So the question is: how can 

Or not. 

product maturity. This contradicts the principle 

we change this approach and thought process? 

of controlling the influencing variables at a time 

when they can still be sustainably influenced: in 

the early phase by so-called front loading. 

STEFFEN BOLL 

DR STEFAN HERRMANN 

MANAGING DIRECTOR 

HEAD OF BUSINESS 

CSI ENTWICKLUNGS- 

DEVELOPMENT & 

TECHNIK 

STRATEGIC SALES


FLOW AND FLUID SIMULATIONS 

THUNDER 

AND LIGHTNING! 

LIGHTNING PREDICTION BY CSI 

TOO COLD, TOO STORMY AND ALSO STILL QUITE WET – THE WEATHER DOES 

NOT BEND TO THE WILL OF HUMANS. BUT WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT IT? 

WE WOULDN'T BE AS TOLERANT ABOUT THE CLIMATE INSIDE OUR VEHICLE. 

NO MATTER WHEN AND WHERE WE TRAVEL IN VEHICLES, WE EXPECT TO SIT IN 

A COMFORTABLE TEMPERATURE AND BE SURROUNDED BY A LIGHT, PLEASANT 

BREEZE. WOULDN’T THAT BE SOMETHING! FORTUNATELY, THERE ARE PEOPLE 

AT CSI ENTWICKLUNGSTECHNIK WHO KNOW HOW TO CREATE THE PERFECT 

COMFORT CLIMATE IN A CAR. THE PEOPLE IN OUR COMPUTING AND 

SIMULATION DEPARTMENT. 

VALERIJ SCHWIDERIK, 

SIMULATION PROJECT MANAGER


WELCOME TO THE DARK SIDE 

OF THE VENT. 

Massive calculations and analysis take place 

long before the air flows gently over us through 

the opened slats of the air vent. More precisely, 

the simulation team’s work begins before 

any actual components – air vents or slats – are 

fitted. Like meteorologists who produce their 

forecasts from weather models, our simulation 

experts calculate simulation predictions about 

pressure losses, flow velocities and flow paths 

inside a car. They clarify in advance whether the 

air really arrives where it is meant to, or whether 

the vents are blasting out a hurricane that 

would ruin carefully coiffured hairdos. 

This is done using CFDs, Computational Flow 

Dynamics, using OpenFoam software design 

data. They reveal whether all the specification 

requirements have been fulfilled or if there are 

weaknesses and potential for improvement 

which need to be taken into consideration in the 

design. 

FAILURES? WE MAKE SHORT 

SHRIFT OF THEM! 

Things work best of all when we are commissioned 

with the design and simulation of a component. 

We can then use the synergies between 

design and simulation in networking to reduce 

the geometrical preparation to a minimum. 

We do this using the ANSA pre-processor ANSA 

supplied by BETA. If the words ANSA and BETA 

or networking and geometry preparation mean 

nothing to you, don’t worry. This is about – as 

it basically always is – saving time with intelligent 

(software) solutions and making the design 

process as compact as possible. ANSA allows us 

to carry out multiple processes fully automatically, 

reducing human involvement and user 

errors. When the completed calculation model 

has been built in a network, we then conduct 

multiple simulation loops in the shortest time 

to try out all the possible options. This is done 

with the serious involvement of the programming 

language Python and generally with Shell 

scripting within a Linus operating system. To put 

it simply: we shorten the development process. 

PERFECTION RIGHT 

BEFORE YOUR EYES 

OK. Theoretically we then rapidly understand 

the lie of the land and how pressure losses, flow 

speeds and processes behave. But "theoretically" 

is not enough for the development of a car 

and its interior. It is much more about the practicality 

of manufactured parts. That’s why our calculation 

and simulation department also look 

after component optimisation by checking the 

geometrical construction with an optimisation 

environment in LS-OPT supplied by Dynamore, 

that is calculating. The calculation results can 

be linked to ParaView and reveal the effects of 

changes and modifications to the designers. 

With regard to the slats on the interior vents, this 

means first defining the optimizsation parameters. 

The optimisation program LS-OPT determines 

the best possible geometry that can be 

used to achieve the defined goal based on these 

parameters. The geometry here is varied and 

formed in the ANSA pre-processor using morphing. 

Each geometrical variation is automatically 

transferred to a simulation model where 

it is calculated and the results are analysed to 

assess the effect of the change(s). 

CREATING KNOWLEDGE 

Unlike meteorologists, here at csi we can predict 

and calculate more factors. Thanks to our inhouse 

design expertise, we can often take things 

into our own hands. That means we can input 

the knowledge acquired from our simulations 

directly into the design. Development times are 

further reduced with the use of the FloEFD tool 

integrated in CATIA. The "lean" EFD simulations 

(Engineering Fluid Dynamics) which our designers 

work with are regularly supplemented by 

CFD analysis to observe any physical effects that 

may arise. 

A HOT TOPIC: BATTERIES 

Apart from air flows, multi-phase simulations 

and stationary or transient heat transfer are 

some of the major issues the csi calculation 

team deals with. This is assuming even greater 

importance due to the growth of electric mobility. 

Multi-phase simulation is used in the development 

of cooling plates for battery-powered 

vehicles etc. Multi-phase simulation is used to 

analyse whether the cooling cycle is designed in 

such a way that its geometric form enables it to 

be fully ventilated in the first filling. At csi we can 

also examine whether the heat generated by the 

battery cell packs can be reliably dissipated. The 

efficiency of the cooling can be evaluated by observing 

the temperature processes. If the temperature 

process is largely even, this supports 

the operational stability of the cooling plate 

system. You won’t be surprised to learn that our 

calculation and simulation department also has 

and uses tools to predict operational stability. 

After all, this is also ultimately part of ensuring 

that you don’t suddenly find yourself sitting on a 

hot seat inside the vehicle, while somebody else 

has a pleasant breeze wafting around them. 

LINEAR AIR FLOW OF LOWER AIR VENTS THROW ISOSURFACE LINEAR AIRFLOW OF UPPER AIR VENTS


DOMINIK KAUFMANN AND NILS LANGHANS, 

MANAGING DIRECTORS OF THE 

KAUFMANN/LANGHANS STRATEGY CONSULTANCY 

WHY 

TRATEGY 

FREQUENT FAILURE AND 

HOW A STRATEGIC PROCESS NEEDS 

TO PERFORM IN THE DIGITAL AGE 

STRATEGY NO LONGER 

across the entire organisation, to somehow 

PERFORMS AS IT NEEDS TO. 

Slow, frustrating, poor results – the 

traditional process involving months 

of strategic development and subsequent 

implementation has never 

worked particularly well. However, in 

most companies it is standard practice 

– with significant consequences. 

In the digital age, lost strategy work 

increasingly threatens the competitivity 

of companies. A rethought strategic 

process which produces fast results 

through short iterations and, at 

the same time, mobilises the overall 

organisation may help here. 

bring everybody on board and mobilise them 

for the new direction. A difficult, if not hopeless 

undertaking which frequently stirs up more frustration 

and confusion than enthusiasm and clarity. 

The result: no result. According to various 

studies, between 70 and 90 percent of strategies 

fail in their implementation. 

DISRUPTION IN THE 

AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR IS 

IN FULL SWING. 

One thing is clear: strategy work according to 

the waterfall principle has never worked particularly 

well. Yet, in the analogue age, the miserable 

efficacy of most strategy processes didn’t 

companies no longer need to solve complicated 

problems. Now, more and more frequently, 

they face complex challenges with fully transparent 

routes to solutions. The example of the 

automotive and mobility industry makes it particularly 

clear how, within a few years, accepted 

certainties about value and value creation 

were turned on their head. In the shortest time, 

new, upcoming players have come to the fore, 

while former giants are now foundering. It can 

be said with come certainty that disruption is 

in full swing in the automotive sector – and in 

The mix of the massive acceleration of the digital 

age and the increasing complexity of strategic 

questioning means that strategy in many 

companies is simply no longer doing what it 

needs to do: it neither delivers stability and 

orientation in tumultuous times, nor does it ensure 

sufficient flexibility and adaptability. The 

strategy fails where it is most urgently needed. 

The solution for this problem is as simple as it 

is challenging: companies need to overcome the 

deep chasm between strategy development and 

strategy implementation to keep pace with the 

increasing speed of the digital age. And: they 

must completely close the file on consecutive 

thinking – first perfect development and then 

carry much weight: most other companies pro- 

many other sectors too. The ever-faster speed 

implementation – and instead unify the devel- 

In many organisations, the strategy process 

ceeded with a similar level of inefficiency and 

with new technology, new business models and 

opment and implementation of strategies from 

still works in roughly this way: a small number 

the problems companies had to solve followed a 

new working methods are spreading in the dig- 

the ground up. Establishing a continuous strat- 

of people sits brooding in a quiet little room 

clear cause and effect connection. It was par for 

ital age is radically shortening innovation cycles 

egy process which produces results in short it- 

until finally, after months, white smoke signals 

the course not to reach or even mobilise every- 

and planning timelines. Nor is there any end in 

erations and mobilises the entire organisation is 

appear: we have a strategy! However, the pride 

one with the strategy. However, things have 

sight to the acceleration. The consequence: the 

becoming increasingly critical to the success of 

in the grand design developed is mixed with a 

fundamentally changed over the last decade: 

consecutive process from protracted strategy 

meeting this requirement. 

rumble in the gut: how can we actually imple- 

development, subsequent translation into daily 

ment it? An attempt is made to roll out the strat- 

operations and downstream implementation is 

egy developed in a small circle in strict secrecy 

simply too slow and too inefficient, and threatens 

companies’ competitivity.


NILS LANGHANS (LEFT) AND DOMINIK KAUFMANN (RIGHT) 

? 

EXTERNAL 

STIMULUS 

ABOUT KAUFMANN / 

LANGHANS 

KAUFMANN /LANGHANS is a strategy 

consultancy for the digital age which provides 

consulting for mid-sized companies, groups and 

start-ups. The projects KAUFMANN / LANGHANS has 

recently supported include the development and 

implementation of a new company strategy, the 

establishment of a new strategy process for csi, 

strategy and business model development for 

the innovation hub of a MDAX group, and 

the strategic positioning and further 

development of the equity story 

for a mobility start-up. 

change. For a participatory approach, such as 

this, to succeed, it is particularly important to 

INCORPORATING 

unlock the varied ideas, but also explicitly lend 

MANIFOLD IDEAS. 

an ear to critical voices and consciously incor- 

As many employees as possible need to be ac- 

porate their arguments in the process. However, 

tively involved and mobilised in the strategy 

even diverse teams operated in a clearly defined 

process from day one for strategy work to meet 

framework than in a vacuum. 

EMBODYING A NEW UNDER- 

the complex challenges facing many compa- 

STANDING BY MANAGEMENT. 

nies. This has wide-reaching consequences for 

CREATING BIG PICTURE CLARITY. 

Yet perhaps the most important and, at the 

the development and implementation of a strat- 

There needs to be a clear and shared under- 

GENERATING SPEED 

same time, deeply conditioned lesson that for- 

egy. Thus, rather than – as is so often the case 

standing of the mission, vision and values within 

ON A SMALL SCALE. 

mulating strategies in the 21st century means is 

– a close circle of the same decision-makers, 

the organisation. Why does the organisation do 

Strategy work in times of volatile and some- 

much simpler: humans are at the heart of good 

there needs to be a greater cross-functional and 

what it does? How does it want to develop in the 

times contradictory environmental require- 

strategy work with their needs, desires, aims 

hierarchical overarching cooperation, to allow 

long-term? What values form the foundation for 

ments survives by connecting with reality as 

and abilities. Management personnel therefore 

different points of view to be incorporated at an 

the cooperation? The company must jointly find 

early as possible and in small steps: instead of 

needs to be clear that a good strategy is one that 

early stage. 

clear and binding answers to these questions 

spending months chewing over studies in qui- 

the team can implement later, but also want to 

– smooth the way and set the compass pointer 

et little chambers, strategic hypotheses need 

implement. This can only happen if the strate- 

However, a diverse team composition is only 

for the continued strategy process. This clarity 

to be translated into small actions that can be 

gy process takes everyone’s needs and wishes 

the very first step. The aim is to incorporate the 

strengthens the stakeholders’ motivation, but 

specifically processed. They can then be tested 

into consideration, without necessarily having 

breadth of the company along the entire strat- 

also the most frequent follow-up questions in 

in real life and the feedback from these early 

to fulfil every request. Therefore, good strategy 

egy process and so unlock the ideas of many. 

the strategy process can be answered much 

implementation experiences fed back into the 

requires not least a new understanding of man- 

A further important effect of strategy process 

more efficiently and clearly. 

strategy process. Early. Regularly. On a small 

agement. An understanding by management 

based on participation from day one: it speaks 

scale. With customers, employees and general- 

which integrates the needs, requests and aims 

for itself. Instead of the time-consuming work 

ly everywhere where people will subsequently 

of the people who need to implement it – and 

convincing people to sign up to a new strategy 

work and act based on this strategy. The speed 

creates the conditions needed to bring some- 

by reactive change communication, the change 

and efficiency urgently required in the strategy 

thing new into the world. 

from multi-faceted collaboration can be experi- 

process results from this continuous linking of 

enced and configured early and actively shaped 

hypothesis and testing: companies recognise 

by each and every individual. The result: identi- 

early on what works – and what doesn’t. 

fication with the new instead of rejection of the

csi entwicklungstechnik 

NECKARSULM INGOLSTADT SINDELFINGEN 

MUNICH WOLFSBURG ZWICKAU WEISSACH 

AFFALTERBACH KAISERSLAUTERN WINTERBERG 

www.csi-online.de 

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