Major Phases in IPD
The Integrated Product Development (IPD) process flow consists of a series of phases that are triggered by previously completed market management activities that select market segments and offerings. The major phases in IPD are concept, plan, develop/qualify/launch, and life cycle/close. In many cases, the lines between the IPD phases are not entirely crisp and clear. Some activities might straddle several phases. Although closeout is not a formal IPD phase, it has been highlighted at the end of the life cycle phase to be more consistent with the CRM and WWPMM phases.
Decision checkpoints, or approvals, are structured project reviews with specific entry and exit criteria that are used to measure the progress of a project.
IPD funding is approved on a phase-by-phase basis, based on a number of considerations, such as the business case and risk assessment. The key decision point is at the end of the plan phase, when the DCP contract is signed.