Product Development Process - Simplified
Each step is defined but flexible.
Define Profile
Provide ingredient & claim recommendations.
Confirm cost parameters.
Establish critical parameter options, e.g., flavors, colors, texture, appearance, etc.
Complete project risk management & mitigation.
Propose primary package: form, servings per container, serving size, shelf life.
Competitive & intellectual property review (e.g., infringement & patentability
Formulation
Create “paper” theoretical formulas.
Evaluate raw material samples.
Evaluate theoretical cost models.
Ensure nutrient & active content levels.
Establish overage of claimed nutrients to meet shelf life & regulatory requirements.
Complete costing on different formula scenarios
Shakedown
Scale up to steady-state.
Validate manufacturing instructions.
Confirm throughput rate & costs.
Evaluate within-batch & batch-to-batch variability.
Define & confirm operating parameter ranges. (e.g., temperature, flow rate, mix time, etc.)
Ensure regulatory compliance. (e.g., thermal process, overages, nutrient ranges, etc.)
Test
Final product & raw materials.
Claims substantiation.
Shelf life.
Packaging.
Physical, microbiology, chemistry, sensory, safety.
Competitive products.
Production
Robustness – Quality, output rate, defective rate.
Alternative raw materials qualification management.
Troubleshoot production anomalies.
Evaluate cost-saving opportunities.
Complete formal stability tests on regular production products.
Optimize quality testing.
Prototype
Make samples using lab bench scale.
Prepare samples using pilot plant scale.
Evaluate process & package options.
Draft label & claims.
Complete formal & informal panel tests.
Complete accelerated stability studies.