A product’s successful development depends on adequate research, avoiding mistakes along the way, and following tried and true processes. For product development to be successful, the project must be executed properly. Here’s where having the right processes in place can make all the difference.
Processes ensure that everyone knows what to do at what point in the product’s development. They also allow for things to be checked off as you go along. With proper processes in place, all the steps required for successful product development are outlined before you even start the project.
There are many steps required in the successful development of a new product. Having the proper processes in place to safeguard against missing key steps along the way is the best way to avoid critical mistakes. Here are a few ways processes can make or break a product’s development.
Outline Steps
When you have a new product development process in place, it’s very clear what you need to do and at what point in the process. There are steps in every new product development project that are fundamental to the process, such as, research, prototype development, and testing.
An experienced product development firm will have all the steps in the product development process already outlined to ensure nothing gets missed during the product’s development. A missing step in the process could result in a faulty product needing more time and money to get to market.
Chart Progress
A new product development process will allow you to check off steps as you work through your product development. In conjunction with outlining the steps required in the process, this acts as a safeguard to ensure all the steps are completed at the right time.
Assign Duties
When you have processes in place, it’s easy to assign duties to product development team members. When team members know what they are supposed to be doing and at what point in the product development process, they are able to work more efficiently which will result in less project costs and less time taken to complete the project.
Monitor Results
Monitoring results is a critical step in the product development process. After each step is completed, the appropriate tests can be conducted to determine if the product is meeting the required standards. When processes are in place, monitoring happens almost automatically because it is included as part of the process.
Failing to include monitoring in the product development process will most certainly result in a failed product. Without monitoring, you have no way of knowing if you are meeting functionality or standards requirements.
Processes can most certainly make or break a product’s development. A good process allows you to understand required steps, assign duties, chart progress towards your goal, and monitor results.
Pivot International is a product design, development, and manufacturing firm with a long-standing history of product development. We have over forty years experience in the field of product development and have perfected our processes during that time. To learn more about our services and how we can help you streamline your product development processes, contact us today.
