Scrum.org Community Podcast
Toyota Connected: How the Ideas of the Agile Product Operating Model Shape Portfolio Management Strategy
Apr 10, 2025
Lucas Smith, Director of Agile Program & Services at Toyota Connected, dives into how Toyota applies Agile Product Operating Model principles to portfolio management. He discusses the delicate balance between agility and control, ensuring teams can innovate while remaining aligned with strategic goals. Topics include managing product complexity in connected vehicles, the intricacies of product life cycles, funding strategies, and overcoming challenges of software longevity and technical debt. Tune in to discover Toyota's innovative approaches to enhancing collaboration and efficiency!
42:52
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Quick takeaways
- Toyota Connected applies Agile Product Operating Model principles by categorizing product life cycles to tailor funding strategies that enhance financial control.
- The organization balances team autonomy with necessary control through quadrant mapping to effectively manage dependencies and foster rapid innovation.
Deep dives
Understanding Portfolio Management Challenges
Portfolio management presents a significant challenge for organizations, especially those like Toyota that operate in complex environments involving both physical products and software. Toyota Connected focuses on managing the intricacies of connected vehicles, which encompass various aspects such as production, supply chain, and software integration. A clear organizational purpose is essential, as straying from this causes confusion and inefficiencies in product management. By defining what qualifies as a product within their frameworks, Toyota aims to maintain clarity and consistency in their investments and resource allocation.
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