SUGGESTED PROJECT CHECK POINTS

1. DESIGN PLANNING

    1. Functional specification and preliminary design study

    2. Prepare plans for engineering manpower, schedule, budget

    3. Preliminary project cost estimate

    4. Initiate patent search - preliminary report

    5. Client review and approval to proceed

2. PRELIMINARY DESIGN

    1. Review major competitors (top four to six)

    2. Initial mechanical/electrical design (how we are to do it)

    3. Modify and finalize initial specification.

    4. Client review and approval to proceed.

3. ENGINEERING MODEL

    1. Complete construction of first experimental model.

    2. Test, demonstrate, and revise as required.

    3. Begin coordination with all departments

    4. Complete revised cost estimates on product and tooling

    5. Revise and update schedule and budget if required.

    6. Complete Preliminary patent clearance.

    7. Client review and approval to proceed.

4. PRODUCT DESIGN

    1. Commence formal product design, including carton, manual, container etc.

    2. Finalize coordination with all areas of organization.

    3. Review of layouts, schematics, specifications by all

    4. Product Engineering and Purchasing.

    5. Define required assembly drawings.

    6. Update product cost and tooling estimates.

    7. Client review and approval to proceed.

5. PROTOTYPE MODELS

    1. Complete and check out prototype models for lab tests

    2. Conduct Pilot Lot (some companies call this Lot I i.e. 30+ Units) 

    3. Start ANSI or UL proceedings (or both). I.e. Industry Standards

    4. Complete Industrial Design review and approval.

    5. Client review and approval to proceed

6. PROTOTYPE TESTS

    1. Check out models for lab, field, container tests, and amples.

    2. Complete lab tests

    3. Complete field tests

    4. Marketing show (or acceptance) tests

    5. Client review of results and approval to proceed

7. FINAL REDESIGN

    1. Complete required redesign and re-test.

    2. Final patent clearance.

    3. Client review of results.

8. FINAL DOCUMENTATION

    1. Complete production documentation.

    2. Final review of design and costs by all concerned.

    3. Complete Safety related issues (UL listing etc.).

    4. Generate final inspection check lists as is required.  

    5. Release to Production Authorization.

9. PRODUCTION RELEASE

    1. Commence production for sale (Lot II production)

    2. Begin formal continuation and/or product improvement process

10. PRODUCTION  

The above list was generated by APPLICATIONS RESEARCH, INC. for use as guide to conducting preliminary estimates of cost to develop a product.

     If you have questions, please call (763) 521-0217 or E-mail us.

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