This aspect of integrating in GPS traceability electronics answers unmet needs across several different customer scenarios found during the idea generation phase. This feature can deliver exceptional value to many different classes of customers and therefore needs to be included in the final product definition. The next phase, Concept Development and Testing, takes the defined product and tests it as a concept with potential customer segments. The idea of a shippable, lightweight tractor and earthmoving equipment device that is capable of also being tracked through a logistics network or supply chain appeals to many managers of engineering consulting and development firms. They see the ability to quickly deploy this heavy equipment machinery globally on relative short time horizons at a relatively low cost as well. The next phase, Business Analysis Beta Testing and Market testing, is where the actual initial production units of the heavy equipment machinery would be tested in the field by customers who had volunteered for the beta programs. The use of real-time feedback over the Internet with surveys would also be used during this phase. Using the Technical Implementation Phase, the specific product features are tested and seen as to how reliable they are relative to the engineering specifications of the heavy equipment machinery being launched. Throughout this process the specifications are also fine-tuned to see what specific features will be deliverable with the final product. The Commercialization process is the forma launch of the new heavy machinery. In evaluating all of these steps, the decision to create a heavy equipment land-mover and tractor that could be quickly deployed globally, traceable...

Beginning with the development of a series of surveys that can be used by survey respondents from any location globally to the development of new product rating websites, the Web in general and e-commerce specifically can contribute much to the new product development process. Another use of e-commerce in the product development process is the ability to gain valuable insights into the prioritization of options by product configuration. As heavy equipment products have literally thousands of options, being able to prioritize specific features and functions using feedback from customers obtained online is critical. The actual product introduction process can also be fine-tuned using e-commerce as well. Using a series of interactive displays and websites, in addition to e-commerce applications, to measure how customers prefer the specific build-to-order options of their heavy equipment product configurations to be presented online and fulfilled through the manufacturing process.