High-tech Product Development in an SME: Virtual Design Department and Case Studies

摘要

Virtual Design Department (VDD) is a new structure for design of a high-tech product in an SME. Formationand operation of the VDD are elaborated. Its’ efficiency has been confirmed in Case Studies. The VDD providesresearch, development and design services to the SME. The VDD and SME collaborate on the project base. Theobjective of the collaboration is to design a state of the art mechatronic product that provides a long-term revenuestream to the SME. The product design takes place concurrently in the SME and in the VDD, with data being sharedusing contemporary ICTs.