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The Evolution of the Product Development Process by the Strategic Contribution of the Information Technology in an Automaker Company
Technical Paper
2003-01-3722
ISSN: 0148-7191, e-ISSN: 2688-3627
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English
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to highlight the distinctive role of the Information Technology (I.T.) in shaping today's Product Development business processes.
The emerging R&D1 business environment and fierce competitiveness call for a strategy based on three elements: low product costs, high quality and fast and flexible response to the customer needs (time to market).
Correspondingly, I.T.2's role within Ford Motor Company R&D division has had a high contribution to the efficiency enhancements and its role is a fundamental enabler in creating and maintaining a flexible, robust and virtually integrated network (all internal offices within Ford and its suppliers) through a unique project office forum.
The case reflects the benefits of the strategic R&D business process redesign and scope redefinition over the last years, by using the I.T. as a strategic key enabler for the today's performance effectiveness. The main topics will establish a relationship between the R&D processes changes and the tools developed by I.T., such as knowledge management, digital Mock Up Management (C3P3 ), Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and other systems that integrated the R&D offices by the introduction of new technologies, modifying the R&D timescales (Durability timescales, reduced prototype phases, etc.) and also reducing costs drastically as a consequence. The Amazon Project, the most complex project ever developed by Ford South America, will be our guideline for this case.
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Authors
Citation
Clemente, R., Pinto, M., Nishida, R., and Filho, J., "The Evolution of the Product Development Process by the Strategic Contribution of the Information Technology in an Automaker Company," SAE Technical Paper 2003-01-3722, 2003, https://doi.org/10.4271/2003-01-3722.Also In
References
- Marksides, C.M. Strategic Innovation Sloan Spring 1997
- Drucker, Peter F. Innovation and Entrepreneur Spirit Peira 1986 225 241
- O'Brien, James A. “Information Systems and the management decisions in the internet era” Saraiva Publishing 2003