11.1.1 An Approach to a Network Centric Product Development System

Abstract

AbstractCurrent product development architectures range from vertically stove‐piped organizational structure to dispersed organizational entities working in a collaborative manner. Various product development methodologies have been developed to speed the communication between product team members including co‐location of the development team, email, scheduled telecom and video‐com meetings, Internet Web casting to keep all team members in contact with one another. No company has implemented a network centric product development system that links all users in the product development process together in a single system where real time communication or shared databases are used or exist. This would require a company to change it business model as a network centric product development system requires closer cooperation between and within itself, subcontractors and suppliers. As an example, both Wal‐Mart and Deutsche Morgan Grenfell have incorporated network centric systems into their business model with great success. Can the product development process be used on a network centric system? A Network Centric Product Development System requires a system configured and optimized to speed team communication and share product databases regardless of team member location or organizational affiliation.