Pragmatic Innovation — The New Mandate
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As companies struggle to look for ways to compete against low-margin overseas competitors, they must turn to their creative side because cost-cutting manufacturing and quality initiatives no longer provide the competitive edge. Differentiation now must happen through innovation; that is the strategic weapon that drives profit in the new global economy.
Burlington, VT. Robert Nicholson was not really concerned about the health of his heart when he went in for his annual physical. Although his dad had died of a heart attack, Rob figured he was reasonably healthy at 46. He worked out a few times a week and, although he did have a soft spot for pepperoni pizza, he usually watched what he ate. So he was particularly shocked when he found out that his cholesterol count and blood pressure had risen over the past year. His physician seemed concerned as well, which is why he put Rob on a 24/7 continuous healthmonitoring system. Because Rob imagined and dreaded the hassle of wearing a monitor, he was pleasantly surprised to see and feel the SenseWear armband that held the sleek little monitor by BodyMedia. The system continuously monitored his relevant vital functions and then downloaded them to his computer. The software then tracked his health with the promise of telling him to call his doctor if anything looked awry. But the biggest surprise was that he found himself showing off the little monitor to all his friends. This was the first body monitor he heard of that could really become a part of your life.
