Exploring the Causal Model of 3D-CAD Technology

Interfirm Communication and Product Development Performance in Japanese Automobile Parts Industry

Abstract

3D-CAD technology impacts the performance of product development in two ways. One is a positive effect that the use of the 3D-CAD decreases the number of problem solving cycles directly, so that development performance improves. The other is the negative effect that 3D-CAD increases interfirm communication, which increases the quantity of coordination. In conclusion, the overall phenomenon of a correlation between the use of 3D-CAD technology and improved performance cannot be seen, because the two effects of the 3D-CAD offset each other.