Shannon McGarry
Learn how structured NPI processes cut time-to-market by up to 50%, improve quality, and enable cross-functional collaboration for manufacturing leaders.
Why NPI matters
New Product Introduction (NPI) is the structured process that transforms ideas into market-ready products. Companies that implement formal NPI frameworks achieve 30–50% faster time-to-market and 40% fewer post-launch quality issues compared to those using ad-hoc methods.
Faster launches mean quicker revenue capture. Better quality means fewer warranty claims and stronger customer loyalty. But NPI is complex, and without a systematic approach, risks multiply.
The six phases of NPI
Phase 1: Concept ideation & feasibility
This phase turns market opportunities into validated product concepts. Teams conduct market research, analyze customer needs, and assess technical feasibility. A robust business case is developed, including ROI projections and risk assessments.
Why it matters: Investing in the wrong concept can waste millions. Early validation ensures resources go to ideas with real market potential.
Phase 2: Design & development
Here, concepts become detailed engineering designs. CAD models, bills of materials, and manufacturing plans are created. Design-for-manufacturing principles guide decisions to ensure scalability and cost efficiency. Regulatory compliance planning begins early to avoid late-stage surprises.
Why it matters: Poor design practices lead to costly rework and delays. Strong collaboration between design and manufacturing teams prevents bottlenecks later.
Phase 3: Prototyping & testing
Physical prototypes validate functionality and performance. Rapid prototyping technologies allow multiple iterations, while functional and compliance testing confirm readiness. User experience evaluations provide critical feedback for refinements.
Why it matters: Catching issues now is far cheaper than fixing them after tooling or launch. This phase protects both timelines and budgets.
Phase 4: Pilot production & process validation
Small-scale production runs test manufacturing processes and supply chain readiness. Teams validate tooling, train operators, and confirm quality control systems. Supplier qualification ensures reliable sourcing at scale.
Why it matters: Discovering process flaws during full-scale production can derail launches. Pilot runs reduce risk and optimize workflows before ramp-up.
Phase 5: Launch
Full-scale production ramps up while marketing campaigns roll out. Sales teams are trained, customer support systems are activated, and logistics networks are prepared. Coordination between manufacturing and marketing is critical to avoid stockouts or excess inventory.
Why it matters: A smooth launch maximizes revenue and brand impact. Misalignment here can lead to lost sales and damaged reputation.
Phase 6: Post-launch evaluation
Continuous improvement begins here. Teams collect customer feedback, analyze sales performance, and identify enhancement opportunities. Insights feed back into future product development cycles, creating a virtuous loop of innovation.
Why it matters: Post-launch learning strengthens future products and helps maintain competitive advantage.
The challenges associated with NPI
Each phase is interconnected. A shortcut in one stage creates problems downstream—often when fixes are most expensive. NPI requires precision, collaboration, and speed across multiple disciplines: engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and marketing.
The question for decision makers: How do you enable this complexity without slowing down?
The solution: Technology that connects every phase
Modern NPI demands more than spreadsheets and siloed tools. It requires an integrated platform that supports design, validation, collaboration, and manufacturing planning. This is where Autodesk’s Product Design & Manufacturing Collection (PDMC) delivers exceptional value.
Autodesk Product Design & Manufacturing Collection
Solve interesting problems efficiently with the ultimate set of engineering apps.
Learn MoreHow PDMC powers NPI success
PDMC is a comprehensive suite of tools designed to streamline product development from concept to factory floor. Here’s how it aligns with each phase:
Concept & feasibility
- Inventor and Fusion enable rapid concept modeling and feasibility checks.
- Early simulation tools validate manufacturability before investment. This helps avoid pursuing ideas that can’t be built efficiently.
Design & development
- Inventor handles large assemblies with Express Mode, Level of Detail, and iLogic automation for variant configurations.
- Vault ensures version control and secure collaboration across global teams.
- Tolerance Analysis and Inventor Nastran validate performance and compliance early, resulting in faster design cycles, fewer errors, and reduced risk of late-stage redesigns.
Prototyping & testing
- Embedded simulation reduces reliance on physical prototypes.
- CAD-integrated workflows allow quick design updates based on test feedback. This leads to lower prototyping costs and accelerated validation.
Pilot production
- Factory Design Utilities simulate layouts and material flow to prevent bottlenecks.
- Integration with PLM systems supports process documentation and compliance. This helps minimize surprises during scale-up and ensure smooth production ramp-up.
Launch
- Automated BOM and drawing updates keep production aligned with design changes.
- Shared data environment ensures all stakeholders work from the latest information, resulting in on-time launches with fewer coordination errors.
Post-Launch
- Vault and PLM integration provide a single source of truth for performance data and feedback. Lessons learned feed directly into future projects, improving efficiency and quality.
NPI isn’t just an engineering process—it’s a growth engine. When executed well, it drives revenue, strengthens market position, and reduces operational risk.
Explore PDMC and see how it can transform your NPI process.