P-Zero: Concept state. Design is an idea for a product. A business's plan is written and submitted to management for approval. No specification or bill of materials are yet established. Purchasing and suppliers become involved. Management approves or rejects idea.

P-1: If approved, specs are drawn, parts proposed, and value engineering value-analysis workshops are held. Prototype build is completed. Design verification, supplier selection, risk assessment, strategy field training takes place.

P-2: Pilot phase. Fifty boards are built. Design changes are made. Diagnostics, allocation plan, quality, and reliability plans are developed and software development begins.

P-3: First customer ship. Alpha and beta tests occur. System test, introduction and release. Documentation is completed.

P-4: Customer satisfaction. Customer surveys performed. Demand vs. forecast review. Product life-cycle review. Product enhancement.

P-5: Product retirement.

SOURCE: BAY NETWORKS