An approach for continuous monitoring of product properties between strategic foresight and the product engineering process

Rapid pace of change and increasing complexity in today’s world demand innovative approaches to product development. Foresight methods enable the anticipation of future scenarios and the derivation of product properties. However, current approaches lack mechanisms to continuously align product development with evolving environment and customer requirements, often resulting in late changes and high costs. Early detection of deviations is needed. This paper presents an approach for continuous monitoring, bridging strategic foresight and the product engineering process (PEP). By analyzing prior work and literature, a process model was developed to identify tipping points where product adaptations are necessary using indications and indicators. Initial evaluation through a case study using coffee machines showed the approach’s usability but improvement potential was also identified.