Before handing over projects to the corresponding receiving organizations, SAP INSPIRE assesses their overall feasibility and develops state-of the art prototypes. SAP INSPIRE also provides support for filing patents to make sure the idea value is fully recognized.

Idea Capturing

Ideas that match the SAP vision are collected from internal sources via email or self service application, or at events or initiatives, such as the SAP INSPIRE think tank sessions.

In addition, SAP INSPIRE systematically scans emerging trends to pinpoint new business ideas with the potential of becoming a successful INSPIRE project.

Once an idea has been submitted, the SAP INSPIRE team initiates the idea evaluation process by gathering additional inside information and collaborating closely with experts.

Intelligent Idea Assessment

The most promising ideas are developed further within the SAP INSPIRE idea management solution based on SAP's NPDI (New Product Development and Introduction) solution, an innovative tool recently designed to accomplish numerous tasks ranging from idea evaluation and resource management to prototype development.

The SAP INSPIRE team systematically classifies ideas, identifies relationships between them, and ensures follow-through on all concepts as well as a careful assessment of the best ones.

During this process, the SAP INSPIRE team also helps to access related SAP's central functions including legal services, communications, and human resources.

Project Execution

Once a project idea has been evaluated and approved by the SAP board, the execution phase within the SAP INSPIRE incubator begins. Based on internal funding, the idea submitter has now the possibility to design a prototype with a team of five developers within a timeframe of 9 to 12 months.

If the prototype is successful, the project is reintegrated into an existing business group where objectives and competencies best match the project scope and the resources required to develop it. Or a new group will be established to serve the purpose.

Success Factors

Ideas relevant to SAP INSPIRE feature an advanced degree of innovation and excel in being innovative and breakthrough in a way that exceeds the existing product portfolio of SAP.

Professional business and technology specialist teams within SAP INSPIRE evaluate the ideas to establish a solid basis for a successful realization based on the following criteria:

* Strategic Fit – A project team is set up when the business idea fits into the overall strategy of SAP and is feasible in terms of legal considerations, standards, and time and resource restrictions.

* Technology - SAP INSPIRE evaluates the technical feasibility of a proposed solution. This is done in accordance with SAPs technological expertise (e.g. portfolio, skilled experts).

* Commercialization – A successful commercialization requires the appropriate set of skills, partners, channels and teams.

* Customers – SAP INSPIRE keeps a watchful eye on the target market and business potential of an idea. It's the customers who define the market for SAP. The more receptive customers are with regard to a proposed solution the faster ideas and markets can grow.