Distributed Planning In The Rapid Product Development Using Adaptable Process Modules 2001-01-3466

The early phases of product development are especially important for the Rapid Product Development (RPD) concept. They are decisive for an efficient and effective way to the success of a development project.

The basic research project financed by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) and the automotive industry currently develops a planning methodology that particularly focuses on the early phases of product development. These early phases are characterized by a high uncertainty and dynamic in respect of necessary alterations. This has consequences for the progress of the project. The planning of the early development phases can be facilitated by a dynamic planning system. By means of a configuration of the planning steps based on “event-condition-action” that is build on the process modules of a typical product development, it is possible to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the early phases of product development. Therefore, the use adaptable process modules to support planning are necessary.