Messerly, T., Concurrent Product Development and Information Sharing at Honda

1
Messerly, T., Concurrent Product Development and
Information Sharing at Honda

• Hondas world class product development process
  uses a commonly used stage gate approach.
• Honda does not win with elaborate IT
• Honda excels at getting the right information in
  the hands of the design team, I.e. answers to the
  following
• When must I complete my assigned task?
• Standard design flows depending of the complexity
  of the project. C-flow minor model change
  D-flow major model change R-flow new platform
• Design team learn the sequence of gates for each
  of the flows. Knowing the flow translates into
  implicitly understanding sequence, timing,
  pressures.
• Single piece of paper used to cover all of the
  essential information (as opposed to a 3 ring
  binder).
• 3. Reduce variation in overall workload (limit
  of projects, introduce a pull system).
• What does the customer want?
• Program charter that includes
• Vehicle concept (look, intangibles, etc.)
• Target customer (e.g., Meg Ryan for 2 door
  Accord)
• Annual total unit sales
• Price and margin targets
• Product introduction timing
• 4. Consider how urgent projects affect the flow.

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Concurrent Product D evelopment and Information
Sharing at Honda (continued)

• What does the customer want?
• Program charter that includes
• Vehicle concept (look, intangibles, etc.)
• Target customer (e.g., Meg Ryan for 2 door
  Accord)
• Annual total unit sales
• Price and margin targets
• Product introduction timing
• 3. What do I need to do to fulfill customer
  needs?
• Design checklists Standardized technical data
• System of technical experts (1 expert per 15-20
  designers)

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Concurrent Product D evelopment and Information
Sharing at Honda (continued)

• 4. What are other team members doing?
• Co-location allows rich communication
• Gate meetings (Gebas or huddles) at key points in
  the process
• Guest engineers (from supplier companies) are
  on-site during design process
• Why is Honda world class at new product
  introduction?
• Implementation and follow-through