How Innovation Can Be Too Much of a Good Thing†

Reducing the Number Can Speed Introduction of New Product Lines

Wall Street Journal, June 11, 2007 — Avery-Dennison Corp. loves to innovate. In recent years, the adhesive-label maker has expanded into areas such as stick-on automotive trim and heat-transfer inks to label clothing. But Avery executives grew vexed a few years ago at how long it took to turn ideas into products. Schedules were slipping. Customers were chafing.