Configurations of NPD - Production Interfaces and Interface Integration Mechanisms

This paper describes and illustrates different configurations of the interface between new product development and production processes, including both intra-firm and inter-firm interfaces. These configurations are partly based on a process view of product innovation and partly on a structural view of product innovation. In addition to this typology of interfaces some integration mechanisms are described. The typology will serve as a basis for further research aimed at identifying consistent configurations of the different types of integration mechanisms that are available for industry to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of product innovation processes