Product development methodology: non-quality caused in production by mistakes in product development, its measurement and improvement integration in the product development process

Abstract

A new quality focused product development (NPD) methodology, applying lean manufacturing principles and Industry 4.0 paradigms is described in this paper. This methodology has been tested in a tailor-made equipment manufacturer for the retail sector, where tight product development times are needed. This requires a high agility in the processes, meaning the overlap of phases, the integration of processes, cooperation, and automation of tasks. We have generated a system concept that collects all the manufacturing incidences related to NPD, integrated in workshops stations, creating a system that enables real time data capture and a valuable feedback loop to NPD processes. Its implementation showed an improvement over 10% in the quality of the NPD process in a period of 3 months, an increase of the productivity in both product development and manufacturing areas, and a boost of the internal customer satisfaction in manufacturing area with the product development area.