Product Development Support

Gate-Phase Process

The Gate-Phase process provides a structured approach to product development that cuts rework, ensures customers needs are met, and speeds overall product development time. Work is divided into 4-6 separate phases with defined tasks in each.

One example of 5 phases for an engineered product is:

1. Idea Screening
2. Business Analysis
3. Development
4. Test Market
5. Final Product

Another, for a large consumer goods company, is:

1. Planning
2. Design
3. Engineering
4. Prototype
5. Manufacturing

In all cases, concurrency of steps is encouraged to speed the process, but strict controls are placed on tasks that must be completed before each phase begins, in order to reduce the chances for rework. The choreography of these steps implies an important role for strong team leadership that involves committed players from all involved business functions and reports regularly to top management regarding progress, expectations, and risks.

In order for the full potential of the Gate-Phase process to be met, the project teams must be familiar with key tools such as FMEA and QDF. They will also need a coherent system (computers can help, but war-rooms and wall-charts serve as well) for managing communications and the inevitable flow of paperwork.