FAQ

What do you do with an idea that has found an existing solution to the problem?

Don't just kill it or let it die, help to get it implemented (assuming it's a worthwhile idea). The actual implementation, the integration into operations, is a different story. The goal in this case to to understand the solution well enough to introduce it to operations and sell them on wanting to get it implemented. You might create or provide some documents, you might set up a working demonstration. Once they're convinced, assign the project to the Operations team and your work is done. Or, if you can't sell them on it, know when to cut your losses, shelve this idea, and move on.