Q 595. What is a Multi-Generational Product Plan? Provide some examples of products following this method. Compare it with the DMADV approach and highlight the key differences and similarities.

 

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As the word suggests, A Multi-Generational Product Plan (MGPP) is an approach used by organizations around product development ensuring the evolution of a product over multiple generations or versions.

Outlining some examples below.

1. Smartphones: Brands like Samsung, Nothing, 1plus, Apple, etc keep innovating and bring new features to their flagship phones.

2. Operating Systems: Apple’s IOS and Microsoft Windows comes up with updated features and security measures within their respective operating systems

3. Automobiles: Car manufacturers normally come up with newer models of the same variant of cars. Eg. Toyoto Fortuner has 7 variants, Tata Harrier has 24 variants, etc

Similarities between these approaches is indicated below.

1. Customer Centric: Both approaches look at gathering customer feedback or looking at market trends

2. Data Driven: Both approaches look at collecting data for an informed decision

3. End Goal: Both approaches try to secure business objectives

Differences shown in the below table

Multi-Generational Product Plan (MGPP)	DMADV
Evolution of product over a period of time	Designing or redesigning specific prodcuts / processes
Long Time ongoing strategy	Project based specific endpoint

 

MGPP

MGPP is a strategy in which managers work on including more features to a product beyond it's minimum required attributes to advance it to the next generation in order to introduce new goods within a set timetable.

 

The MGPP can be used. 
•    When a modest number of improvements can be planned for and made rather of concentrating on a major endeavor
•    When managers can get ready for the upcoming product generation
•    When fresh concepts can be included into the following product generation, allowing managers to concentrate on the first generation strategy and avoiding delays
•    when managers may simultaneously concentrate on first-generation plans and new technology for the next-generation product

 

Ex - A Process Plant convened a brainstorming session on process OEE optimization, and a few team members came up with great ideas that were paving the way for the potential development of the future generation of technology. In order for the technology team to work on development in accordance with the MGPP, the plant head forms a team to produce the MGPP on OEE enhancement.

 

DMADV
DMADV is a defect reduction method that improves existing processes or develops designs for new processes or products & introduces them to the market in accordance with consumer expectations.

 

DMADV is used:
•    When developing new products or making gradual, minor changes to existing ones while taking customer preferences into account
•    When a process requires a new design in response to sales trends, the team develops alternate designs before drilling down to a comprehensive design for the product or process.
•    When the final design is ready, a prototype is created, and DOE testing is conducted to determine the best outcomes.

 

Ex – An multi-restaurant owner is well-known in north India for its flavor, ambience and price and he wants to expand his spread to south India as well. So, he can use DMADV method to best start his business in south India based on customer's expectations

 

Similarities of MGPP & DMADV
•    Focus on customer requirement
•    Work on new process/system or on design for new product
•    Focus on innovation and creativity

Multi Generational Product Plan

 

It is generally a strategic roadmap that designs the development and evolution of a product compare with multi-generation.

This is generally including a long term vision for the product.

 

Key Elements :-

Product Vision – Vision should be very clear to achieve the aim of problem to be solve.

Roadmap – A clear timeline and outline of the plan should be release of the product

Market analysis – A good market research should be conducted to identify customer needs, trends and opportunities.

Technology Considerations – A good technology stack and infrastructure is required for product growth.

Resource allocation – A rich allocation of resources like – budget and time.

Risk assessment – Timely identification of potential challenges and risk involved and make plan to mitigate them.

Customer Feedback – A regress feedback from customer is required.

 

Few real-world examples –

 

Apple iPhone – Started from 2007 it has drastically updated the product as per new generation.

Microsoft Windows - Microsoft Windows has started in 1985 with Window 1.0 to Window 11. Each one introduced with improved features as per customer requirement.

Tesla Electric Vehicles – It also started with basic models and upgraded to new models based on new demanding features and performance.

Video Game Consoles – These are very popular in kids. Products like play station started with PS1 to PS5 based on new generation with powerful hardware.

Other smartphones – Smartphones has drastically upgraded as per customer requirements. Started with basic memory in KB to memories in GB with introduce of multi features which are required as per new generations.

 

Major differences in Multi-Generational Product Plan (MGPP) and DMADV

 

	MGPP	DMADV
Purpose	Primary used for product development and improvement.	Used for process improvement and redesign.
Phases	Involves phased approach	Involved structured 5 phase approach
Focus	Doesn’t follow a strict set of phases	Follow strict set of 5 phase approach
Approach	Starts with product and aim to enhance it over time	Starts with a problem or quality issue in mind
Iterative Approach	Both involves in iterative approach	Both involves in iterative approach
Continuous Improvement	Both methodologies are aimed to achieve continuous improvement	Both methodologies are aimed to achieve continuous improvement

 

From the published answers, Pradeep Shukla has provided the best answer to the question. His answer highlights the key elements for a successful MGPP implementation. Well done!