KXI - Automotive Anti-Rollover Technology

Client/Company: KXI Wildertec
Duration: 18 months (fractional 25% for 12 months and 50% for 6 months)
Overview: The project aimed to develop anti-rollover technology for various vehicle types, with the F350 (Class 3) as the first prototype. The objectives included getting the prototype working, securing IP, and preparing for future prototypes and production. This involved managing control system software, establishing data systems, and leading product testing and quality management. These improvements allowed for a higher valuation for KXI. KXI is in the process of partnering or selling to a strategic buyer.

Demonstration

Background: KXI - Automotive Anti-Rollover Technology

In the automotive industry, innovation and safety are paramount. When the Head of Marketing for KXI (a former colleague of mine) introduced me to KXI Wildertec, the challenge was clear: develop , in a scalable way, groundbreaking anti-rollover technology that could be applied to a range of vehicle types and use cases. The F350 (Class 3) was our first prototype, but our vision extended far beyond a single model.

Upon joining the project, I discovered that while the Class 3 prototype was physically assembled, the control system and software were far from complete. Suppliers were still ironing out bugs on a new automotive controller, which was crucial for meeting the bandwidth demands of our application. My initial task was to secure the intellectual property for KXI and accelerate the commissioning and testing of the Class 3 prototype.

Navigating the complexities of the control system software from suppliers, I found that the initial software deliverables were unacceptable as they would require permanent involvement from the supplier. Over several months, through strategic negotiation and tactical decisions, we obtained the necessary source code, securing the IP and dramatically increasing the value of our technology.

As the project progressed, my responsibilities expanded to establishing a vision and roadmap for the robust data systems and automated performance data processing capabilities. This foundation would be essential for our quality control and safety management systems

In 2024 Q1, my role evolved to include operational leadership and to enhance our strategic planning. I implemented a strategic management framework to improve alignment and track progress against our quarterly goals. By running all weekly meetings and tracking progress, I ensured our team was aligned , focused and unblocked. We laid the groundwork for the second and possibly third prototypes, aiming to build the F550 prototype in one-third the time it took to develop the F350 to achieve our aggressive upfit efficiency goals.

In Q2 I also took ownership of product testing and quality management, ensuring that every component met our stringent standards. As part of this responsibility, I also took a lead role in establishing our safety management system and implemented a readiness scale that allows us to evaluate the safety of our up-fit vehicles based on the testing performed and the inspections and data analysis.

My role was integral in these strategic pivots. I provided guidance to the president of KXI, contributed to strategic planning, and ensured that our next steps were aligned with our long-term vision. We established strategic alignment across departments and implemented strategic management practices to ensure we met our goals efficiently. I worked closely with the President on business model development and concepts that would maximize the valuation of our company as we were gearing up for the sale of the technology

Ultimately, during the course of this project, I had a significant impact on all areas of the business as well as continuous advancement in product testing and readiness as well as our scalability to meet the demands of future customers. My efforts positioned KXI technology as a highly valuable technical asset that could scale, making it a much more attractive acquisition target for potential strategic buyers. The project's success was a testament to our team's dedication and our ability to adapt and innovate in the face of challenges.

Through this journey, I demonstrated my ability to manage complex technical projects, secure critical intellectual property, and lead a team towards strategic and operational excellence. The KXI Automotive Anti-Rollover Technology project showcases my skills in vision, strategic planning, technical leadership, and operational management.

Project Table

Aspect Goals Challenges Outcomes
Planning
Strategic - Develop anti-rollover technology for multiple vehicle types - Incomplete control system and software from suppliers - Successfully commissioned the F350 prototype
- Secure IP - Securing IP from suppliers - Secured IP from suppliers
- Plan and build subsequent prototypes - Strategic pivots based on market feedback - Planned and initiated and completed the development of the Class 4 prototype
- Explore revenue generation through rentals or leasing - Established strategic alignment across departments and implemented strategic management practices
- Positioned KXI technology as a valuable asset for potential acquisition
- Developed a strategic management framework
- Planned subsequent prototypes ensuring production standards
- Explored and planned revenue generation models
Tactical - Secure the IP - Managing dependencies on suppliers - Established data systems and automated performance data processing
- Accelerate commissioning of the F350 - Adapting to strategic pivots based on market feedback - Improved team alignment and efficiency
- Develop strategic management framework - Developed a strategic management framework to improve alignment
- Planned and executed commissioning of the F350 prototype
Execution
- Oversee and ensure the successful delivery and commissioning of control system software - Navigating relationship and negotiations with suppliers - Achieved a working prototype for the F350
- Establish data systems for performance data processing - Ensuring all systems were fully integrated and functional - Laid the foundation for building the F550 prototype in a significantly shorter timeframe
- Took ownership of product testing and quality management
- Implemented systems integration for hardware and software
Technical
- Establish robust data systems for performance data processing - Addressing technical challenges with the new Automotive controller - Implemented automated systems for data ingestion and quality control
- Lead software and firmware management efforts - Ensuring seamless integration of hardware and software components - Enhanced overall system performance and reliability
- Established instrumentation systems to monitor and improve performance
- Conducted performance tuning and load testing
Operational
- Implemented strategic management framework - Aligning operational activities with strategic goals - Enhanced team integration and efficiency
- Ran all meetings and tracked progress - Ensuring smooth communication and collaboration - Developed a more effective product governance and management system
- Improved team processes and coordination
- Implemented governance and prioritization processes
- Recruited overseas expertise to accelerate key initiatives as part of our strategic planning
Quality Control
- Ensure high-quality standards across all components and systems - Ensuring comprehensive quality control measures - Enhanced product quality and reliability through rigorous testing and quality management
- Establish robust QA processes and instrumentation - Addressing issues identified through QA processes - Implemented comprehensive quality control measures
- Implemented automated smoke testing and quality control measures
- Developed new QA standards and processes
Diagnostics and Analysis
- Conduct root cause analysis to identify and address platform issues - Diagnosing complex performance and stability issues - Addressed major performance bottlenecks and improved system stability
- Implement tools for importing, exporting, and data loss prevention - Implementing solutions with limited resources and technical debt - Developed new diagnostic tools and processes to support ongoing improvements
- Conducted root cause analysis to identify and address platform issues
- Implemented tools for importing, exporting, and data loss prevention
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