"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.

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