FRD Section 6 — Next Steps

This may be the most valuable outcome of your project.  This is also a very critical part of your report.  Here you describe recommendations for what could be done next to carry your work forward.  They are generally the proposed next steps one would take should more resources (time, money) be allocated.  In general, they may include, though not be limited to, continued testing, further engineering, redesign, changes, improvements, etc. that your customer could consider if they choose to take this project further.  In some cases, it could be recommended new ideas for an even better solution that evolved as you worked through testing and refinement, especially if you concluded (in rare cases and with great effort) your approach/concept is not a way to solve the problem.

Your recommendations in regard to the design are derived from the current, updated status of your DFMEA in your TAD (so you should reference the subsection in the TAD where they can find that).  Specifically, for any shortfall relative to expectations/requirements, make a recommendation for improvements.  However, even if all engineering requirements were met, you will have some recommendations.  For example, some teams find more efficient and/or effective design elements (methods, materials, etc.) too late to be incorporated into the final design and prototype but will suggest the customer consider them in the future.

Some of your recommendations have likely been mentioned earlier, but briefly note them here so all recommendations are consolidated in one place.

Close this section with a short paragraph stating what the expected outcome would be if one chooses to take these steps, following up on these recommendations.

© 2017, William J. Endres Updated March 21, 2022