Title: Process templates for product planning and definition

Authors: Tsutomu Tsuyama, Tetsuro Adachi, Yoichi Yokoyama, Tatsuya Suzuki, Harutaka Ushijima, Jun'ichi Akutsu, Ako Shouse

Addresses: Hitachi, Ltd. Production Engineering Research Laboratory, 292 Yoshida-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama 244-0817 Japan. ' Hitachi, Ltd. Production Engineering Research Laboratory, 292 Yoshida-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama 244-0817 Japan. ' Hitachi, Ltd. Production Engineering Research Laboratory, 292 Yoshida-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama 244-0817 Japan. ' Hitachi, Ltd. Production Engineering Research Laboratory, 292 Yoshida-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama 244-0817 Japan. ' Hitachi, Ltd. Production Engineering Research Laboratory, 292 Yoshida-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama 244-0817 Japan. ' Hitachi, Ltd. Production Engineering Research Laboratory, 292 Yoshida-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama 244-0817 Japan. ' Hitachi, Ltd. Production Engineering Research Laboratory, 292 Yoshida-cho, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama 244-0817 Japan

Abstract: In order to establish the planning and the definition processes to realise products that inspire high perception and favourableness in purchasing agents, we have developed a template for product planning and definition processes. This template includes a strategic analysis, which focuses on the target client, needs analysis, quality function deployment and base/option part optimisation. We have also attempted to apply the template to product planning and definition for the elevator business. We have ensured that the following effective activities can be realised by the proposed methods: (1) Hypothesis planning, such as a purchase decision factor, based on competitiveness analysis and customer value chain (business domain/stakeholders structure) analysis. (2) Hypothesis verification of newly arising needs based on Voice of Customers (VOC) and analysis, including text-data mining. (3) Optimisation of base/option part and variety, based on the results of VOC analysis and evaluation of the cost.

Keywords: product planning; product definition; process templates; quality; quality function deployment; value; product lifecycle management; PLM; customer satisfaction.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPLM.2006.011057

International Journal of Product Lifecycle Management, 2006 Vol.1 No.4, pp.391 - 399

Published online: 06 Oct 2006 *

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