How do you balance design verification scope, time, and resources?

1 Define your scope

Before you start your verification, you need to define your scope clearly and realistically. Your scope should be based on your design output specifications, which are the measurable and testable characteristics of your design that reflect your design input requirements. Your scope should also consider the risk level, the regulatory standards, and the customer expectations of your design. You should avoid over-scoping or under-scoping your verification, as both can lead to problems later on. Over-scoping can waste time and resources, while under-scoping can miss important defects or non-conformities.

2 Prioritize your activities

Once you have your scope, you need to prioritize your verification activities according to their importance and urgency. You can use a matrix or a tool to rank your activities based on criteria such as risk, impact, complexity, feasibility, and cost. You should focus on the activities that have the highest priority and the highest value for your design, and allocate your time and resources accordingly. You should also consider the dependencies and interrelationships between your activities, and plan your sequence and schedule accordingly.

3 Choose your methods

Another key factor in balancing your verification is choosing the right methods for your activities. There are different methods of verification, such as testing, inspection, analysis, demonstration, and review. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on the type, level, and purpose of verification. You should choose the methods that are most appropriate, effective, and efficient for your verification activities, and that can provide objective and reliable evidence of conformity. You should also consider the availability and suitability of your verification tools, equipment, and personnel.

4 Document your results

As you perform your verification activities, you need to document your results thoroughly and accurately. Your documentation should include the verification plan, the verification procedures, the verification data, the verification reports, and the verification records. Your documentation should also include any deviations, anomalies, or issues that arise during your verification, and how you resolve them. Your documentation should follow the format and standards of your design control system, and should be traceable, transparent, and consistent.

5 Evaluate your outcomes

After you complete your verification activities, you need to evaluate your outcomes and determine whether your verification objectives have been met. You should compare your verification results with your design output specifications, and verify that your design output meets your design input requirements. You should also identify any gaps, discrepancies, or non-conformities that need to be addressed, and initiate any corrective or preventive actions. You should also review your verification process and identify any lessons learned, best practices, or opportunities for improvement.

6 Communicate your findings

The last step in balancing your verification is communicating your findings to your stakeholders. You should communicate your verification results, outcomes, and actions to your design team, your management, your customers, and your regulators. You should communicate your findings in a clear, concise, and professional manner, using the appropriate channels and formats. You should also solicit feedback and input from your stakeholders, and address any questions or concerns they may have. By communicating your findings effectively, you can ensure that your verification is validated, verified, and verified.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?