An approach to lean product development planning

A product development system (PDS) is based on two pillars: "do the thing right" and "do the right thing". While the former leads to operational efficiency and waste reduction, the latter guarantees the fulfillment of all stakeholders needs. In this context, Toyota's PDS has a superior performance. The lack of formalization of the Toyota PDS system, though, makes it difficult to replicate. Research on this system has resulted in the identification of several principles, tools and techniques, but did not present a way to make them systematic. This paper aims to propose a systematic way to make the lean engineering product development planning. The method allows the creation of an activity network, which provides at the same time value creation and waste reduction. The first part of the paper identifies the needs to the lean development planning. In sequence the method conception is presented. Finally the method is evaluated against the identified needs and improvement opportunities observed on an aerospace product development example.