Does Your Product Development Process Fit Your Organization?
Does your organization have a structured new product development (NPD) process? If not, and you’re looking to implement one, reach out to us at Big Rocks Engineering. But if you do have a product development process, where does it fit within your company’s structure?
Some companies embed new product development into their daily operations, integrating it with sales, marketing, supply chain, and customer insights. Others choose to silo R&D teams entirely, giving them freedom from operational constraints to create something groundbreaking.
Which approach is right?
Innovation Within Operations vs. Separate R&D Teams
Many organizations are structured around their new product development process, ensuring that engineering teams work closely with operations. This collaboration can result in cost-effective, well-integrated products that align with business goals.
On the other hand, companies like Hewlett-Packard (HP) have taken the opposite approach. In one well-known case study, HP separated their disk drive development team from the main organization. This separation allowed them to break free from daily constraints and truly innovate without being held back by production concerns or existing company norms.
So, which one is the right strategy for your business?
Finding the Right Balance for Your Organization
Neither approach is inherently right or wrong. The biggest mistake is failing to define your product development strategy at all.
“Innovate or die,” as the saying goes.
So, what culture do you have? More importantly, what culture do you want? If you’re uncertain but eager to expand your product offerings, we’d love to help you develop an NPD process that aligns with your company’s growth goals.
Visit us at Big Rocks Engineering to explore how we can support your journey toward structured, scalable innovation.
Mike Hill is the founder of Big Rocks Engineering, an innovative engineering firm specializing in product development, manufacturing solutions, and consulting services. With over 20 years of experience in physics, aerospace defense, and engineering, Mike has dedicated his career to solving complex challenges for OEMs and manufacturers. His passion for innovation and efficiency drives his mission to help companies bring their ideas to life through cutting-edge technology and strategic planning.
Through his leadership, Big Rocks Engineering has become a trusted partner for businesses seeking expert guidance in tackling the “known unknowns” of product development. Connect with him on Linkedln.
