The document outlines a stage-gate process for product management, detailing six stages: conceive, plan/feasibility, develop, qualify, launch, and deliver. Each stage includes specific tasks such as market research, product design, testing, and marketing strategy development. The process emphasizes the importance of financial monitoring and customer feedback throughout the product lifecycle.

1. Example Product Management Stage-
Gate Process
Stage 1
Conceive
• Market Research
• Voice of the
Customer (VOC)
• Analysis:
• Market
• SWOT
• Competition
• Product Concept
• Preliminary:
• Business Case
• Team
• Budget
• Schedule
• Positioning Plan
• Market
Requirements Doc
(MRD)
Stage 2
Plan /
Feasibility
• Product
Requirements Doc
(PRD)
• Product Roadmap
• Development Plan
• Financial Plan
• Updated:
• Budget
• Schedule
• Business Case
• Positioning Plan
• Preliminary:
• Marketing
Strategy
• Launch Plan
• Project
Management
Plan
Stage 3
Develop
• Functional
Specification
• Product Design
Documents
• Prototype (opt.)
• MFMEA
• Test Plan / Quality
• Industrialization
• Design Review
• Financial / Costing
Review
• Pricing Plan
• Sourcing
• Updated:
• Marketing
Strategy
• Launch Plan
• PRD
• Project
Management
Plan
Stage 4
Qualify
• Completed / Passed
Tests
• Certifications
• Test Manufacturing
Run (opt.)
• Support Plan
• Product
Documentation
• Market / System
Assessment
• Pricing Finalization
• Preliminary
Marketing / Sales
Tools
• Updated Launch Plan
• Launch Decision
Stage 5
Launch
• Internal Training
• Market Collateral
• Sales Tools
• Product Messaging
• Competitive
Messaging
• Launch Events
• Continuing Rollout
• Demos
• PR / Advertising /
Trade Shows /
Magazines / Analysts
Stage 6
Deliver
• Monitor Financials
• Customer Feedback
• Compare Results to
Plan
• Complete Lifecycle
Plan through
Retirement
• Lessons Learned
Jack Rupert, PE, MBA
www.linkedin.com/in/jackrupert