Lean Development
Lean Development integrates lean preproduction and preparation techniques to an aim to decrease time to product launch and reduce product development cycle times. Lean development takes into account the core considerations for the product to ensure that: it will meet customer requirements; it will have a place in the product line-up, whether in an existing lean family or in its own; the procurement of the materials for the product happens smoothly. A Lean Development phase sets the stage for a more efficient production phase for the product.
Take a look at the Aras White Paper: http://www.aras.com/PLM-Software/100037.ASPX