By Ave Salazar

NORTHLINK: What is the impact of innovation projects in the company? How does it help in the company’s progress?

In today’s fast-changing business environment, innovation is necessary to drive growth, maintain competitiveness, and ensure sustainability for companies engaged in innovation.   Over the years, our team has been actively involved in our organization’s development, contributing to innovative projects and establishing new benchmarks.    Below is a detailed look at how innovation projects impact a company and contribute to its progress:

1. Boosting Growth and Competitive Advantage: Innovation often leads to developing new services or processes that differentiate a company from its competitors.  For instance, I was appointed as the Project Manager for the Barrierless/Open Road Tolling Feasibility Study that will be used as a reference for the implementation of Barrierless/ Open Road Tolling in MPTC Tollways which will transform and change the Tolling Industry in the Philippines.   

2. Enhancing Efficiency and Reducing Costs: Many innovation projects are aimed at improving internal processes or technology, resulting in greater efficiency and cost savings. As part of the technical team, we contributed to the Toll Collection System (TCS) lane equipment installation project and the implementation of in-house equipment repairs.  These initiatives add to the company’s cost-saving efforts.

3. Fostering a Culture of Continuous Improvement: Engaging in innovation projects helps develop a culture of creativity and continuous improvement.   For the past years, we are involved in various improvements and procedures in the new technology setup.  We streamlined the processing of the Spare Parts Management that zeroed out lane closure due to the unavailability of spare parts.   We also streamlined the Toll Collection System/RFID Maintenance Agreement management which increases the resolution of issues.

4. Responding to Market Changes: The business environment is constantly evolving, and innovation enables companies to effectively adapt to these changes.  Whether it’s responding to new consumer needs, regulatory changes, or technological advancements, innovation helps companies remain relevant and proactive.  For example, our implementation of RFID Advanced Lane Technology has reduced transaction times to under 5 seconds.    At present, we are also engaged in the Management of the ongoing Contactless Project.

5. Attracting Investment and Implement Idea Management Platforms: Companies that are seen as innovative often attract more investment and top talent.  Similarly, top talent is attracted to organizations where they can work on pioneering projects.  The Innovation Olympics is a great platform for sharing, collecting, and showcasing employee ideas that can promote the company’s future-driven projects.

Overall, innovation is the key to the company’s progress, growth, efficiency, adaptability, and a stronger market presence.  Investing in innovation projects can yield substantial long-term benefits.    NLEX Corporation serves as an example of an inventive Organization.  Securing the prestigious Investors in People Platinum (IIP) certification is a considerable feat, setting our company’s dedication to valuing our employees’ innovative ideas.  This certification reflects the company’s culture of continuous improvement that is embedded in the employees’ values and practices.   With this, let us continue embracing the i-CARE spirit mindset!