The most expensive form of compatibility is the final check. A non-conformity identified after the product has been developed, the mold has been made, and the supplier agreement has been signed, turns into a months-long correction project that would have been an hour's job if it had been noticed during the design phase.
Scope
Approved materials catalog: The materials the designer can choose from come from a pre-evaluated pool of materials whose compatibility has been assessed.
Real-time alignment feedback: When a component is added to the product tree or recipe, the alignment effect in target markets is seen on the same screen.
Target market definition: Determining which markets the product will be sold to at the beginning of the development project; applying the rule set accordingly.
Gate criteria: Adding compliance as a criterion to product development decision gates; the launch gate cannot be passed without compliance approval.
Early warning: Labeling substances slated for restriction in the design before they are officially banned. A substance legal today may not remain legal for the entire lifespan of the product.
Document planning: Scheduling necessary tests and certifications backward in the launch schedule. Certification times are often a real constraint on the launch.
Reflecting compliance costs in the business case: Including testing, certification, notification, and manufacturer liability contributions in the product cost.
Benefit to the customer
Pre-launch compatibility surprises are eliminated.
Entering a new market is possible without redesigning the product.
Certification periods are entered into the calendar from the beginning.
The actual cost of the product is known, including the cost of fitting.