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Solving conflicts – shaping the future.
The technological heart of the BMW Group beats in the BMW Group Research and Innovation Center, also known by its German abbreviation, the FIZ. Located close to BMW's Munich headquarters, this research campus is one of the world's most modern automobile-industry development centers. Here, some 7,000 engineers, prototype builders, computer experts, and scientists from many areas – as well as purchasers and employees belonging to supplier companies - BMW Group Research and develop vehicles and technologies of the future for the BMW Group.
Arranged in open modules, the complex's functional architecture guarantees employees short walking distances and close proximity to others. New organizational forms, teamwork, and networks thus support the BMW Group's ability to innovate and react rapidly to changes.
The concept of well-structured communication is constantly applied at the FIZ. This means that all three functional areas - development, manufacture, and purchasing – work very closely with each other. The areas of logistics, controlling, and personnel were integrated into the development process right from the start. Even suppliers are incorporated within the teams through Simultaneous Engineering.
The "Projekthaus".
However, in 1999, it became evident that the Centre in its original construction would soon run out of space. Due to the model initiative of the BMW Group, the number of vehicle projects rose constantly and made it necessary to expand the Centre by new test rigs, workshops, office modules, a wind tunnel, a "Designhaus" and the so-called "Projekthaus". The "Projekthaus" is now being integrated into existing processes and functions as a new focal point. Once again, the BMW Group has set new standards with a building that combines sophisticated architecture, high-tech equipment and efficiently designed workplaces. Together, these elements perfectly satisfy the needs of the structured vehicle development process.
The architecture of the new "Projekthaus" reflects the BMW Group's Product Development Process (PEP). The production of every automobile produced by the BMW Group follows this specific process, from the first concept to series production. Professor Dr. Göschel: "We have created the perfect synthesis of architecture and process-oriented thinking".
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