New item release

This chapter defines the new item release. The release process can and should be measured in its parts and in total—the total time to bring a new product to market. The “release” of a new item is simply the act of moving the item and its documentation from one phase of the lifecycle to the next—typically development, pilot, and production. Thus, the product finally moves to the marketplace and begins to make profit for the company. Making this happen fast, accurately, and at minimum cost is critical to any manufacturing company's profitability. The release process is divided into four phases. These phases and the terminology vary widely but the basic concept is critical— not too many phases or TMI (too much information) results.