The paper forms an overview of current product development procedures within companies in Northern California, in particular with respect to the issues affecting collaboration. Guidelines for obtaining more efficient product development are presented, firmly established in the empirical material. The results and conclusions are based on thirty-six qualitative research interviews in six companies. Problems regarding collaboration issues are described, as well as activities performed to improve efficiency in general and team collaboration in particular. Furthermore, the conclusions suggest a framework to be considered when establishing a support structure for solutions aimed at improving collaborative work within an organization.