Distributed Planning In The Rapid Product Development Using Adaptable Process Modules

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.