ABSTRACT
The specification process in new product development in the automotive industry is critical in reducing lead time, cost, and improving quality. However, this process has been little studied in spite of the rich literature on product development management. By means of a questionnaire survey of automotive suppliers, the research reported in this chapter first of all identifies the main problems perceived by suppliers in the specifications process in black box engineering. The results from the survey are grouped into five categories of problems; technical content, changes, cost, interpretation and understanding, and participation of suppliers in the specification process. A specification-supplier framework which can help both OEMs and suppliers improve and sustain specification management is proposed. It is concluded that the establishment of clear definitions and mutual agreement concerning the role of suppliers at the outset of every new development project would have a positive effect on the development process. Black box engineering redefines the role of specifications by encouraging the suppliers to become more proactive and to take an active part in specifying. More direct contact between operational design staff in OEMs and suppliers, and a changing attitude towards seeing changes as learning opportunities, might facilitate this transition.
