Reinventing the Product Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

Q: What is *Reinventing the Product* by Eric Schaeffer about?

*Reinventing the Product* explores how businesses can leverage AI, IoT, blockchain, and cloud computing to transform traditional products into smart, connected solutions. The book outlines strategies for adapting innovation processes and company culture to thrive in the digital age, emphasizing six core competencies for industrial digitization.

Reinventing the Product

Eric Schaeffer and David Sovie

4 (2 Reviews)

Business

Technology

Entrepreneurship

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FAQs

In "Reinventing the Product," Accenture's elite strategists reveal how companies like Haier design new products in just 30 days. What digital transformation secret do Tesla, Samsung, and Google share that's reshaping entire industries? Patrick Koller, Faurecia CEO, calls it "essential reading."

What is Reinventing the Product by Eric Schaeffer about?

Reinventing the Product explores how businesses can leverage AI, IoT, blockchain, and cloud computing to transform traditional products into smart, connected solutions. The book outlines strategies for adapting innovation processes and company culture to thrive in the digital age, emphasizing six core competencies for industrial digitization.

Who should read Reinventing the Product?

This book is essential for CEOs, product managers, and innovation leaders in industrial sectors like manufacturing, automotive, and infrastructure. It’s also valuable for digitally focused professionals seeking insights into AI-driven product ecosystems and next-gen engineering practices.

Is Reinventing the Product worth reading?

Yes—the book combines actionable frameworks with real-world case studies (e.g., Haier, Tesla) to guide companies through digital transformation. Its focus on practical applications of Industry X.0 principles makes it a strategic resource for staying competitive.

Who is Eric Schaeffer, the author of Reinventing the Product?

Eric Schaeffer is a Senior Managing Director at Accenture, leading its global Industrial Practice and Product Industry X.0 initiatives. With decades of experience, he specializes in helping companies digitize manufacturing, product development, and operational processes.

What technologies drive product reinvention according to the book?

Key technologies include IoT sensors for real-time data, AI for predictive analytics, blockchain for supply-chain transparency, and edge/cloud computing for scalable infrastructure. These tools enable autonomous, personalized products and services.

How does Reinventing the Product address digital disruption?

The book frames digital disruption as both a threat and opportunity, urging companies to adopt smart connected products and ecosystems. It provides steps to avoid disintermediation by rethinking product lifecycles and customer engagement.

What case studies are featured in Reinventing the Product?

Examples include Faurecia’s AI-driven manufacturing, Signify’s smart lighting ecosystems, and Haier’s customer-centric product innovation. Interviews with Amazon, Google, and Tesla leaders supplement these insights.

What is Industry X.0 as described in the book?

Industry X.0 represents the convergence of digital and physical systems in industrial sectors, enabling mass customization, predictive maintenance, and agile production. It builds on Industry 4.0 by integrating AI and ecosystem-driven growth.

Schaeffer advocates for a shift toward "living products"—continuously evolving offerings supported by data and customer feedback. This requires fostering cross-functional collaboration and embedding digital literacy across teams.

What frameworks are presented in Reinventing the Product?

The book introduces frameworks for smart product design, ecosystem partnerships, and value-chain optimization. It emphasizes iterative innovation, leveraging digital twins and customer co-creation to refine products.

Why is Reinventing the Product relevant for industrial businesses in 2025?

With AI and IoT accelerating, the book’s guidance on autonomous systems and edge computing remains critical. Its strategies help companies adapt to rising demands for hyper-personalization and sustainability in industrial markets.

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Key takeaways

The Digital Revolution Reshaping Everything We Touch

00:00

Imagine a world where your refrigerator not only keeps food cold but suggests recipes based on its contents and automatically orders groceries when supplies run low. Picture your car learning your driving habits, adapting its performance accordingly, and transforming into a mobile office during your commute. This isn't science fiction - it's the near future described in "Reinventing the Product." For over two centuries, industrial products followed a predictable pattern: companies designed and manufactured items, sold them through distribution channels, and considered their job complete once the sale was finalized. That linear value chain is experiencing what's called a "tectonic tilt" toward a circular model where digitally intelligent products maintain constant communication with manufacturers, users, and other products throughout their lifespan. The economic implications are staggering. Today's typical product derives about 40% of its value from software, 30% from electronics, 20% from mechanical components, and 10% from digital elements. By 2030, this distribution will flip dramatically - digital components will represent 70% of product value, software will account for 20%, while electronics and mechanical parts will shrink to just 5% each. This value migration explains why seven of the world's ten most valuable companies are now platform businesses rather than traditional manufacturers. As one Google executive put it: "Within the next decade, every product will use AI in some form. The question isn't whether to implement it, but how."

The Product Reinvention Grid: Mapping Your Transformation Journey

From Features to Experiences: Winning Hearts, Not Specs

From Hardware to Platforms: Building Digital Ecosystems

From Mechanical to Artificial Intelligence: Products That Think and Learn

From Linear to Agile Engineering: Continuous Evolution

The Future Is Already Here: Are You Ready?

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Reinventing the Product isn't just a book — it's a masterclass in Business. To help you absorb its lessons in the way that works best for you, we offer five unique learning modes. Whether you're a deep thinker, a fast learner, or a story lover, there's a mode designed to fit your style.

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"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

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"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

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"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

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Reinventing the Product by Eric Schaeffer and David Sovie Summary

Overview of Reinventing the Product

Key Takeaways from Reinventing the Product

Overview of its author - Eric Schaeffer and David Sovie

Common FAQs of Reinventing the Product

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Key takeaways

The Digital Revolution Reshaping Everything We Touch

The Product Reinvention Grid: Mapping Your Transformation Journey

From Features to Experiences: Winning Hearts, Not Specs

From Hardware to Platforms: Building Digital Ecosystems

From Mechanical to Artificial Intelligence: Products That Think and Learn

From Linear to Agile Engineering: Continuous Evolution

The Future Is Already Here: Are You Ready?

Quick Summary Mode - Read or listen to Reinventing the Product Summary in 9 Minutes

Flash Card Mode - Top 8 Insights from Reinventing the Product in a Nutshell

Fun Mode - Reinventing the Product Lessons Told Through 25-Min Stories

Personalize Mode - Read or listen to Reinventing the Product Summary in 0 Minutes

Download Reinventing the Product PDF

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Key takeaways

The Digital Revolution Reshaping Everything We Touch

The Product Reinvention Grid: Mapping Your Transformation Journey

From Features to Experiences: Winning Hearts, Not Specs

From Hardware to Platforms: Building Digital Ecosystems

From Mechanical to Artificial Intelligence: Products That Think and Learn

From Linear to Agile Engineering: Continuous Evolution

The Future Is Already Here: Are You Ready?

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