A framework for pursuing the successful development of products through design to manufacture

British manufacturing industry is recognising that survival and growth depends on the ability to achieve lean production and the concomitant dependence on quality and process control. This change of approach towards serving customers through responsive production is well recognised and manufacturing industry is changing. But there is now a growing recognition that the future success of companies will increasingly depend on their ability to serve market need with the timely introduction of new and appropriate products. The author provides a framework for viewing the potential of some specific techniques in bridging the walls between the functional departments of a company that endeavours to introduce new and improved products