A systems approach for product development and technology transfer to achieve enhanced quality and copy exact performance

This study explored the effect of using a systematic approach to developing new products and production processes, and transferring of technology across multinational manufacturing sites to achieve enhanced quality, duplicate performance, and offer the best value for the customer. Research was needed to better understand the complex interactions between product design and production systems, including the difficulties encountered during technology transfer to multiple facilities. A disciplined product and process design system is considered a prerequisite for achieving global manufacturing commonality.; Specifically, this study traced the design and development of a new solder paste product and ultimate transfer of its technology from a host manufacturing location in the United States to a local manufacturing site in Singapore. The effect of a stage gate product development process (PDP) approach on product quality performance and manufacturing process stability was assessed. Following successful product and process development, the effect of a disciplined technology transfer system was evaluated to determine the extent of copy exact product performance between the two sites.; Based on the outcome of this study, there is strong evidence that a systematic approach to new product development and technology transfer will result in a high-quality product, a stable large-scale production process, and copy exact product performance between manufacturing sites.