At the close of each phase of a project, the cost of a design change increases by roughly an order of magnitude as compared to making the change at the close of the preceding phase. Technical Reviews reduce total project cost and contribute to a successful outcome for the project by identifying needed changes earlier in the project. BlueShift Consulting can provide an outside Chair for the Technical Review team or an entire team of consultants as desired. Technical Review expenses typically have an enormous payback ratio.
Elements of a Technical Review
The elements of a Technical Review depend on the project phase and the nature of the item under review. Software, service, and product Technical Reviews are different in the types of items reviewed and the amount of detail in each. All Technical Reviews should include some fundamental components including the following:
Requirements
Functional Analysis and Modeling
Trade Studies
Schedule
Work Breakdown
Metric status
Risk Management
Test and Verification
Depending on the product type and phase, other components of a Technical Review might include the following:
Competitive environment
Market analysis
Intellectual property
Operations
In a phased development project, the Phase Review discipline provides an excellent venue for the inclusion of Technical Reviews. Technical Reviews when used properly reduce project cost, schedule, and risk, often substantially. We can also assist in developing plans for any of the technical project management areas that are a part of a Technical Review.
