In our previous post in this series, we talked about the NPI process not just being for Engineering. This a critical requirement for a successful NPI process. In this post we will explore another foundational need for the NPI process – product maturity.

The NPI process is just like a fine wine or cheese… the more mature the product gets, the better it should become.

The New Product Introduction (NPI) process is a critical step in bringing a new product to market. It is a complex process that involves many different stages, from ideation to launch. One of the most important aspects of the NPI process is understanding the product’s maturity level.

Product maturity is a measure of how well a product has been developed and tested. It is typically divided into four stages:

As you can see from the above table and the goals of each stage, the successful launch and introduction of a new product hinges on a cross-functional team effort and not just engineering.

The product’s maturity level will affect the NPI process in a number of ways. For example, a product in the concept stage will require a different approach to NPI than a product in the beta stage.

Here are some of the key considerations for each stage of product maturity:

Concept	Development	Validation	Launch
In the concept stage, the focus is on developing a clear vision for the product and on gathering feedback from potential users.	In the prototype stage, the focus is on developing a working prototype of the product and on testing the product’s functionality.	In the beta stage, the focus is on gathering feedback from users and on making any necessary changes to the product.	In the launch stage, the focus is on marketing and selling the product.

By understanding the product’s maturity level, companies can develop an NPI process that is tailored to the specific needs of the product. This will help to ensure that the product is successfully launched and that it achieves its business goals.

Technology Readiness Levels

Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) are a measure of the maturity of a technology. There are nine TRLs, from TRL 1 (Basic Principles) to TRL 9 (Operational Prototype). Find out more directly from NASA!

The TRLs are used to assess the maturity of a technology and to determine how ready it is for commercialization. The TRLs are also used to track the progress of a technology as it is developed.

How Product Maturity and TRLs Work with the NPI Process

Product maturity and TRLs are two important concepts that can be used to manage the NPI process. By understanding the product maturity and TRL levels of a technology, you can make informed decisions about how to develop and launch a new product.

For example, if you are developing a new product that is in the early stages of product maturity, you will need to focus on developing the product concept and conducting feasibility studies. If the product is in the growth stage, you will need to focus on increasing market share and improving the product’s performance. If the product is in the maturity stage, you will need to focus on maintaining market share and preventing the product from becoming obsolete.

The TRLs can also be used to track the progress of a technology as it is developed. For example, if you are developing a new product that is at TRL 4 (Component Demonstration), you will need to focus on developing a prototype of the product. If the product is at TRL 7 (System Prototype), you will need to focus on testing the product and making sure that it meets the needs of its target market.

And in conclusion about product maturity…

Here are some tips for managing product maturity during the NPI process:

• Start early: The product’s maturity level should be considered from the very beginning of the NPI process. This will help to ensure that the process is tailored to the specific needs of the product.
• Communicate with stakeholders: It is important to communicate with stakeholders about the product’s maturity level throughout the NPI process. This will help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that the process is managed effectively.
• Be flexible: The product’s maturity level may change during the NPI process. It is important to be flexible and to adapt the process as needed.

By following these tips, companies can manage product maturity effectively during the NPI process. This will help to ensure that the product is successfully launched and that it achieves its business goals.