How to Lead a Successful Requirements Review Process

In electronics design, particularly in PCB (Printed Circuit Board) projects, a robust requirements review process ensures that each project aligns closely with design requirements, client specifications, technical standards, and regulatory guidelines. This process reduces costly engineering change orders and rework, streamlines workflows, and bolsters the chances of first-pass success. Let’s explore how to lead an effective requirements review process, with a special focus on leveraging Altium 365 for comprehensive collaboration and traceability.

Establishing a Solid Requirements Review Process

Define Clear Objectives and Scope

Begin by clarifying the objectives of the review process. Establish what you aim to validate, such as adherence to electrical specifications, mechanical requirements, manufacturability, or regulatory compliance. Define the scope, ensuring each team member understands the exact parameters to assess, which could include component choices, layout constraints, mechanical, material, thermal, and manufacturing considerations.

Create a Detailed Requirements List

A comprehensive requirements list should serve as the primary reference throughout the design cycle. This is typically compiled from a longer requirements document, which should outline each requirement’s purpose, its measurable parameters, and validation methods. Establish clear ownership by designating responsible parties for each requirement to ensure accountability.

Engage Cross-Functional Teams Early

Requirements for PCB projects often span multiple departments—electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, and sourcing. Engage stakeholders from these areas early to gather a holistic perspective on each requirement. This will ensure practical and feasible requirements are incorporated from the start.

Utilize Checklists for Requirement Verification

Checklists are a great way to track compliance with requirements during the review. Include questions that help the team validate each requirement’s alignment with design goals. For instance:

• Electrical Requirements: “Does the selected component meet voltage and current specifications?” or “Is the trace width appropriate for the specified current capacity?”
• Thermal Management: “Have thermal vias been included for high-power components?” or “Does the layout ensure adequate heat dissipation?”
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM): “Are all traces, clearances, and via sizes compatible with manufacturing capabilities?” or “Is the board layout optimized for automated assembly?”

Implement Version Control and Traceability

As requirements evolve, version control helps in maintaining a clear history of changes. Traceability, on the other hand, allows each requirement to be linked to specific design elements, enabling designers to understand the impact of each requirement on the design.

Schedule Periodic Review Sessions

Periodic reviews provide structured points in the design cycle to check for alignment with the requirements. These sessions are ideal for ensuring all requirements are considered in the design and that changes haven’t inadvertently created non-compliant design elements.

Document and Track All Issues

An efficient review process captures feedback and potential issues with full traceability. Each identified issue should be documented, assigned to a team member, and tracked until resolution. This helps prevent redundant discussions and ensures timely issue resolution.

Unleashing the Power of Altium 365: Revolutionizing the Requirements Review Process

Altium 365, a cloud-based platform for PCB design collaboration, transforms the requirements review process by providing a unified environment that enhances visibility, traceability, and collaboration. Here’s how Altium 365 enables successful requirements management for electronics design projects:

Centralized Requirements Management Through Altium 365 Requirements & Systems Portal

Altium 365 Requirements & Systems Portal simplifies complex projects by centralizing requirements management. By linking requirements directly to design elements and documentation, the platform ensures that every design decision aligns with the specified requirements. This reduces errors, improves project outcomes, and enables businesses to scale effectively.

Automatic Propagation of Updates and Continuous Verification

Altium 365’s continuous verification system helps eliminate discrepancies by automatically updating changes across the project. As requirements are modified, these updates propagate throughout the design, ensuring everyone has the latest information. This reduces the risk of outdated requirements leading to non-compliant designs and enables quick adaptation to evolving project needs.

Streamlined, Managed Review Processes

Altium 365 includes tools for managing structured review processes, such as Ad Hoc, Handoff, and Milestone Reviews. These processes, accessible through customizable workflows, guide users through required steps, collecting feedback and ensuring approval before progressing. This approach supports both informal reviews for internal feedback and formal reviews for regulatory or customer compliance, thus meeting diverse project demands.

Instant Collaboration and Access via Web Browser

With Altium 365, teams can access design documents anytime from any web browser, enabling remote collaboration without needing additional software. Stakeholders can view the latest design iteration, provide feedback, and engage in discussions in real time, all within a single environment. This access reduces bottlenecks, enabling faster decision-making and improving the project’s overall pace.

Commenting and Task Assignment for Requirements

Altium 365 enables detailed commenting and task assignments directly within the design documents. Each comment or task is tied to specific design elements, which enhances traceability. The platform also supports tagging users for accountability, setting priorities, and assigning deadlines. This capability is invaluable in identifying and tracking requirements issues, ensuring that they are addressed promptly and transparently.

Version Control and Requirements History

The platform’s version control features allow teams to track all changes made to requirements, providing a full historical record that is invaluable for regulatory compliance and project audits. Additionally, requirements history enables teams to compare different versions of requirements, facilitating a deeper understanding of design choices and ensuring that all decisions are well-documented.

Task and Activity Tracking via Kanban-Style Boards

Altium 365 organizes tasks into a Kanban-style board, showing their status as “To Do,” “In Progress,” or “Resolved.” This visual arrangement offers clarity on task distribution and project progression, ensuring no requirement-related tasks slip through the cracks. It also allows project managers to adjust assignments as needed, facilitating agile project management within the design environment.

Integrated Design Verification and Validation

Altium 365 enables verification directly within the design space. By associating verification activities with requirements in the Requirements & Systems Portal, designers can validate each requirement’s compliance throughout the project lifecycle. This proactive approach reduces the chance of overlooked requirements, supporting compliance from the initial design phase to final production.

Conclusion

Leading a successful requirements review process in electronics design projects, especially for PCBs, involves a combination of structured planning, cross-functional collaboration, and efficient documentation. With Altium 365, the process becomes even more streamlined, ensuring all requirements are accessible, verifiable, and traceable within a single environment. This platform not only facilitates remote collaboration but also supports a rigorous review process that can adapt to the evolving demands of modern electronics design projects. By integrating Altium 365 into your workflow, you can establish a robust requirements management process that aligns with both technical and operational goals, ultimately leading to high-quality, compliant designs that meet customer expectations.