Implement the Design

Once the design has been completed, it is implemented as a product component. The characteristics of that implementation depend on the type of product component. Design implementation at the top level of the product hierarchy involves the specification of each of the product components at the next level of the product hierarchy. This activity includes the allocation, refinement, and verification of each product component. It also involves the coordination between the various product-component development efforts.

Example characteristics of this implementation are:

• Software is coded.
• Data is documented.
• Services are documented.
• Electrical and mechanical parts are fabricated.
• Product-unique manufacturing processes are put into operation.
• Processes are documented.
• Facilities are constructed.
• Materials are produced (e.g., a product-unique material could be a petroleum, oil, or lubricant, or a new alloy).

• Use effective methods to implement the product components. Examples of software coding methods include:
  • Structured programming
  • Object-oriented programming
  • Automatic code generation
  • Software code reuse
  • Use of applicable design patterns
• Adhere to applicable standards and criteria. Examples of software coding standards include:
  • Language standards
  • Naming conventions for variables
  • Acceptable language structures
  • Structure and hierarchy of software product components
  • Format of code and comments
• Conduct peer reviews of the selected product components.
• Perform unit testing of the product component as appropriate. Unit testing is not limited to software, but may also involve the testing of individual hardware or software units or groups of related items prior to integration of those items.
• Revise the product component as necessary. An example of when the product component may need to be revised is when problems surface during implementation that could not be foreseen during design.