This paper presents a reference model for the development of mechatronic products (MRM) emphasizing the model validation by making improvements in the new product development (NPD) of a manufacturing company. The model was applied and validated through an action research. The model content was summarized and its application and validation methodology was presented. The improvements increased the company's NPD capability even for those who work on the process but who were not involved in the process implementation. The latter reported a perceived improvement in time, cost, and quality of NPD. The most significant results occurred in document control and product configurations due to regulatory aspects of medical devices. Although there have been significant investments in the project management area, the time and cost control results were limited by aspects related to the integration between engineering and marketing personnel.
New product development; Process improvement; Reference model
