The Swabian signaling device manufacturer Werma Signaltechnik is also delighted to receive the 'Top100' seal of approval. Matthias Marquardt (left) and Christian Höhler (right) accepted the trophy. In recent years, the company has reorganized all of its innovation processes and consistently introduced lean structures. This has enabled it to reduce development and market launch times from 15 to less than 12 months. A completely new approach tipped the scales: instead of turning half-baked ideas into marketable products after numerous development loops, those responsible now focus on clearly thought-out projects. "We used to have a lot of work at the end of development and had to straighten out all sorts of things," recalls Head of Development Christian Höhler. "Today, we examine the ideas from all sides in advance - in order to finally select the right one and then implement it in one go if possible."