There is limited empirical evidence to support the importance of design-manufacturing (DM) integration on the performance of new product development projects. This article focuses on the impact of integration processes and their outcomes on multidimensional project performance. When considering integration as interaction processes, we find that the degree of interaction is positively correlated with respect for time and prestige. If one succeeds in smoothing the production start-up, which is an outcome of integration, a better respect for time, budget and technical specifications is realized. Finally, we provide some insights into the perceived room to improve integration. Even though perceptions do not always correspond with reality, it is interesting to examine them since product development decisions are often taken in response to an individual's perceptions (Kleinschmidt & Cooper, 1995).

This article describes the major barriers across the design-manufacturing interface and examines ways to overcome them to achieve a smooth production start-up. An integration model reveals that formalization facilitates a smooth production start-up. Independent of the degree of formalization during the early development stages, a formal approach is preferred when the new product is introduced into production. Another facilitating factor is the empathy from design towards manufacturing, which can be stimulated by managerial actions. Although the complexity and newness of product and technology hinder a smooth production start-up, their effect seems to vanish by introducing formalization and by striving for a design team that has empathy towards manufacturing.