Key Elements of Choosing a Product Development Process

A question that is frequently asked is “What product development process should we follow?” There is no single answer, but to say “It depends.” There are several product development process (PDP) models available: Spiral, Waterfall, StageGate™. Both iterative and linear methods to choose from. Linear methods that do not incorporate concurrent engineering practices are dead. The need for speed to move to the top or maintain your position is required in defining a good PDP.
There are a few things that are elemental to developing and executing a good process. Investors like The Fundable Entrepreneur point out;

Smart Phones for Reliability and Field Operation Data

Over the years as a field service engineering manager, I created several databases and applications to reliably collect operations and failure data for FRACAS (failure reporting analysis and corrective action system) from engineers and operators in the field. Commercial FRACAS systems are great for analyzing data and collecting the “big” failures, but the

Ford and Chrysler start out 2011 with recalls

At Chrysler, nearly 145,000 trucks and crossover vehicles are being recalled for three different issues; Airbags, steering issues and noisy rear axles. A CNN report initially calls the axle problem a stalling issue then states it is an axle bearing problem that may cause the vehicle noise or failure. Another report at DailyFinance states that the axle may seize causing a crash. A very different view of the reported potential outcomes.
The Ford body control module (BCM) installed in the Super Duty Trucks, Edge, and Lincoln MKX were found to be defective when two F-150 trucks caught fire

Where it begins

Welcome to the new blog of Applied Product Development Solutions.

The thought of blogging on something like reliability and product development was not promising at first. When someone told me that I should start a blog, I told them that many will find it boring and no one would want to read it. “You like it and you have a lot of good info to share,” I was told. So we started discussing what I could write about.

Out came the pen and the napkin from under my coffee cup. The interface between a tiny ink coated ball and formed fibers from a dead tree is often the place where thoughts are transformed to the physical world. The ideas are captured to communicate to others or remind ourselves of the past.

Most endeavors require a good plan. However, on a summer weekend, I jump on the motorcycle and drive through to back roads with no particular destination. Often finding great food, nice people, and odd places that results in the statement “that was a good ride.”

Let’s see where this ride takes us.