Exploratory Research on the Fidelity Management and the Digitalization of New Product Development Process

신제품 개발과정의 디지털화와 현실반영 정확도 관리에 대한 탐색적 연구

There has been rapid diffusion of digital innovation technology(DIT) such as 3 D CAD, CAE, simulation software which enable firms to see the future results of intended product designs through 3 D diagram and simulated results. This technology helps firms to reduce trial and error process by solving later stage problems in earlier stages. The DIT being the technology reflecting the real world, as a tool representing the simplified form of the real world, the degree of reflecting the real world(fidelity) is important in utilizing the DIT. This study is an exploratory research examining the process of reviewing the fidelity of the DITs and developing the complementary process necessary for utilizing the DIT with 'not good enough' fidelity. This study could draw out, from its case study, an exploratory hypothesis about the process of developing the complementary process. In the process, there is an analysis of the corresponding relationship between the actual data and the output data of the DIT, e.g. simulated result. Then the input data or output data are adjusted on the basis of the analysis of the corresponding relationship so that the discrepancy between the actual data and the expected interpretation of the output data, through the adjustment, of the DIT, can be reduced. This process is sometimes accompanied by the process of generating experimental data, which reflect the unique situation of the product development process of a company, to be put to the data base of DIT. The complementary process is the process requiring knowledge sharing and adjustment activities across different divisions. This study draw outs implications for effective management of the fidelity of DIT tools.