Software Defect Phase Containment

The software element of products continues to grow. Likewise the number of field failures due to software issues continues to grow. Writing code is relatively straight forward, and some may even say it’s fun. The process of debugging, or finding and fixing software defects, is not fun.

2 Versions of Product Life Cycle Phases

Product Life Cycle Phases

Each organization creates their own version of a product life cycle. Often there are phase gate reviews that signals a transition from one phase to the next. In general each set of phases follows a common progression from idea to retirement.

There are many references that include a description of the life cycle phases, so let’s explore two of them.

Life cycle cost analysis and reliability

Life Cycle Cost Analysis

The purchase price of a product may be the start of the cost of ownership. Maintenance and repairs may cost many times the initial purchase price. An efficient maintenance process and low cost spare parts may help minimize cost, yet a design that optimizes the total cost of ownership is the most effective method.