Accolade allows Timex to bring all of its product development data into one place for the first time, making it easier and more efficient for Timex employees to offer input in real time.

"We now have the numbers about market size, products" and other variables needed to make intelligent product decisions faster, Becker said. "It lets you focus your resources on the biggest opportunities and on your investments."

Timex has been using Accolade since March 1, after a two-month implementation and testing phase. The package cost about US$250,000 to deploy, including the first year of maintenance and user licenses.

Accolade runs on Microsoft Windows and integrates with Microsoft Office applications, with a familiar Windows-style, Web-based interface that made it easy for employees to learn, he said.

The company has about 45 projects being tracked and developed with Accolade so far. Some are watch design projects; others are feature innovations. It will take between six and 10 months for the first Timex watch project to be completed and sent to market using Accolade, Becker said.