Changing product development process through information technology: a Brazilian case

Purpose - Aims to discuss the linking of enhanced performance of the new product development process with the increasing use of IT applications, resulting in a competitive advantage. Design/methodology/approach - Utilises a case study methodology in a manufacturing company in the Brazilian building materials industry. Findings - Some evidence of enhancement of new product development could be found, such as a reduction in both development cycle time and development costs. As regards customer satisfaction, the executive perception of improvement in final product quality could be identified, and finally no relationship could be observed between the effects and the number of new products launched. Originality/value - IT applications are more successful when links with business strategy are stronger. The benefits of IT strategic alignment occurred after the critical success factor method was adopted in both IT and new product development processes.