Rethinking lean NPD : A distorted view of lean product development

Purpose – To review comments of Don Reinsertsen in connection lean product development. Design/methodology/approach – Don Reinertsen is a renowned new product development expert and held a lean product development workshop in the UK. Findings – Many companies have a dangerously distorted view of lean product development. First, instead of looking at the elimination of wasted expenses, managers must recognize that the real benefits of lean NPD come from creating flow. Second, when it comes to thinking about flow for the more complex environment of product development, domains other than manufacturing offer more relevant solutions. Originality/value – Helps clarify the dramatic differences in how lean methods create value in the very different worlds of manufacturing and product development.