A process is a sequence of steps that transforms a set of inputs into a set of outputs. Most people are familiar with the idea of physical process, such as those used to bake a cake or to assemble an automobile. A product development process is the sequence of steps or activities that an enterprise employs to conceive, design, and commercialize a product. Many of these steps and activities are intellectual and organizational rather than physical. Some organizations define and follow a precise and detailed development process, while others may not even be able to describe their processes. Furthermore, every organization employs a process at least slightly different from that of every other organization. In fact, the same enterprise may follow different processes for each of several different types of development projects. New product development is the process by which organizations develop and bring to market new products. It is a process in which an organization transforms market opportunities and technical expertise into tangible new products in order to propel and sustain their compa ny in today's market place. This process takes conceptual ideas and turns them into commerci al production operations. This process turns visions into reality. This process brings what was once thought impossible into common place in our society. This one process can also eit her make or break an organization depending on the success or failure of their new product de velopment process.

Last updated: April 16, 1998 Copyright© 1998 Synthesis Coalition Comments to: Ya Wen