Stanley Black & Decker’s FlexVolt: A Breakthrough Innovation in Cordless Power Tools

In the world of power tools, innovation is the key to staying ahead of the competition and meeting the evolving needs of customers. Stanley Black & Decker, a global leader in the industry, has demonstrated the power of breakthrough innovation with the introduction of their DeWalt FlexVolt line of cordless power tools and battery packs. This game-changing innovation has not only addressed a significant pain point for professional contractors but has also generated substantial sales growth for the company.

Identifying the Problem: The path to FlexVolt’s success began with a keen observation of customers’ real-world challenges. A project team from Stanley Black & Decker noticed that at construction sites, tools such as miter saws and table saws required a higher voltage than the standard 20-volt systems used for hand tools like drills and circular saws. As a result, contractors were forced to rely on inconvenient and hazardous extension cords or noisy and polluting gasoline generators to power their tools.

Developing the Solution: Armed with this insight, the Stanley Black & Decker team set out to develop a solution that would eliminate these pain points and revolutionize the way contractors work. The result was the DeWalt FlexVolt system – a line of cordless power tools and battery packs that could adapt to the voltage needs of different tools without sacrificing performance or portability.

The FlexVolt battery pack is the heart of this breakthrough innovation. It automatically adjusts its voltage output to match the requirements of the tool it’s connected to, delivering the optimal balance of power and runtime. This intelligent design allows contractors to use a single battery platform across a wide range of tools, from high-demand saws to precision drills, without the need for cords or generators.

Market Success: The DeWalt FlexVolt line has been a resounding success since its introduction in 2016. Professional contractors quickly embraced the convenience, versatility, and performance of these cordless tools, driving remarkable sales growth for Stanley Black & Decker. In just a short period, the FlexVolt line generated $300 million in incremental sales, a testament to the power of breakthrough innovation when it addresses genuine customer needs.

The FlexVolt success story also highlights the importance of a customer-centric approach to innovation. By closely observing and understanding the challenges faced by contractors on job sites, Stanley Black & Decker was able to identify a significant opportunity for improvement and develop a tailored solution that exceeded expectations.

Lessons in Breakthrough Innovation: The FlexVolt case study offers valuable lessons for companies seeking to achieve breakthrough innovation in their own industries:

1. Start with the customer: Deep insights into customer needs and pain points are the foundation of successful innovation.
2. Think beyond incremental improvements: Breakthrough innovation often requires challenging conventional wisdom and reimagining entire product categories.
3. Leverage advanced technologies: The FlexVolt system’s success relied on advancements in battery technology and power management systems.
4. Accelerate time-to-market: Stanley Black & Decker’s ability to quickly bring the FlexVolt from concept to market was crucial in capitalizing on the opportunity and staying ahead of competitors.

Conclusion: Stanley Black & Decker’s FlexVolt line of cordless power tools is a shining example of breakthrough innovation that combines customer-centricity, technological advancement, and speed to market. By addressing a significant pain point for professional contractors and delivering a versatile, high-performance solution, the FlexVolt system has not only driven substantial sales growth but also set a new standard in the power tool industry.

As companies across industries strive to innovate and stay competitive, the FlexVolt success story serves as an inspiration and a blueprint for breakthrough innovation. By putting customers at the center, challenging conventional thinking, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies, companies can unlock new opportunities, drive growth, and shape the future of their industries.