idiosyncratic to the projects under observation. In fact, the packaging tasks are governed by a set of company norms and procedures developed by the OEM that apply to all packaging activities performed in the firm. The key norm was established in 2003 by a dedicated team that included company experts for virtual tools. The team members we interviewed held the same positions in the company both during the period of observation and before, as regards their involvement in the “packaging” process. This stability was one of the keys to being able to observe the formation and role of organizational routines. The firm’s management confirmed that this task was an adequate object of observation since packaging is a typical activity for the engineering centre and tightly linked to its objectives. Packaging check results are important inputs for several stages in the newproduct development process. In many instances, a green light from packaging is a necessary condition before moving into the next phase of development. This fact illustrates the high reciprocal interdependence of the packaging task, and indicates how essential a part of the development process it is. Most importantly,
moreover, the objective of the packaging task is to coordinate the reciprocal interdependencies
in the development of complex products. To benefit from the lever of concurrent engineering
in component design, individual component development teams need to align and fine-tune their
Fig. 2. The structure of packaging.
developmentwork through many gates (checks). The kinds of checks run in packaging can include the following:
• Checks of project objectives.
• Checks of absence of static and cinematic interferences, compliance with minimum distances.
• Functional and esthetical checks.
• Checks on safety and ease of maintenance.
• Ergonomic checks and checks of manufacturing ergonomy.
• Checks of manufacturability.
Fig. 2 shows how development teams are divided into packaging for mechanics (engine, suspensions, etc.) and packaging for the chassis. For both mechanics and chassis packaging activities,