Lean product development: A five-steps methodology for continuous improvement

Designing new products is becoming more and more challenging for enterprises. Applying lean techniques in new product development (NPD) can theoretically lead to a faster and more effective process. However lean applications on NPD processes are still unusual. This is because of the lack of tools and methodologies to be easily understood and applied in order to gain a more agile design process. This paper tries to fill this gap, proposing a five-steps methodology, able to address engineers through the continuous NPD process improvement. The first step helps practitioners to understand the meaning and the impact of wastes in NPD. Following steps lead experts through a process analysis and mapping, and allow to identify process criticalities. Found problems will be discussed and corrective actions will be considered. The methodology can be repeated: as soon as an improvement has been implemented, a new waste analysis can start and process enhancement can be pursued.