Prototyping and Validation

Prototyping and Validation is the process of building physical prototypes (or qualified pilot units) and running design verification and validation tests against them to confirm that the realized design meets requirements before production launch. It bridges digital engineering with physical evidence.

Scope

Activities include rapid-prototyping fabrication (additive, soft-tooling, machined prototypes), DV (Design Verification) testing against engineering requirements, PV (Process/Production Validation) for manufacturability, environmental and durability testing, and certification testing in regulated industries. Test results are linked back to requirements and design items in the digital thread to form the verification evidence chain.

Relationships (see sidebar)

• Realizes Product Quality, First Time Right, and Time to Market.
• Supported by logical capabilities such as FEA, CFD, and ALM Traceability.
• Preceded by Detailed Design; feeds Release Management for the production-intent baseline.