"Methods and Methodologies Supporting the Introduction of Products and Services in the Manufacturing Systems Sector"
Mark Witkowski
2nd Conf. on Methods in Manufacturing Systems Engineering (MiMSE), Southport, England, 27-28 May 1993, 12pp.
ABSTRACT
This paper focuses on the issues and problems that are faced by companies
who wish to introduce new products and services into the manufacturing systems
sector. In particular, the paper discusses various ways in which computer based
techniques can assist in the market research and definition phases that are an
essential part in the design, development and successful launch of any new
systems level product targeted at manufacturing industry.
The idea that
a methodical and methodological approach is of central importance during the
requirements gathering and definition phases of individual systems based
projects has become well established. The quality of these early stages is
widely recognised as a central governing factor influencing the overall outcome
of the project. There exists a wide range of methods, many complemented by
computer based tools, to support these activities and so enhance the probability
of success.
While there are many similarities and parallels between the
early stages of an individual systems installation and the development of a
systems level product offering, there are also significant and important
differences. This paper analyses those similarities and differences to build a
framework to enhance the definition process.
This paper discusses the
merits of a "Question" based approach to the development of product
directed requirements gathering and specification generation. Trials suggest
that this approach is well suited to the situation where product definition
teams are widely distributed. This approach encompasses many of the issues
related to project management and task assignmnet, and to business planning.