Monday, October 1, 2007

Product Integration: CMMI Maturity Level 3

Product Integration
This process area addresses the integration of product components into more complex product components or into complete products. The term “integration” is used in this sense throughout this process area and is
not to be confused with integration of people or activities that may be described elsewhere in the model.

The scope of this process area is to achieve complete product integration through progressive assembly of product components, in one stage or in incremental stages, according to a defined integration sequence and procedures.

A critical aspect of product integration is the management of internal and external interfaces of the products and product components to ensure compatibility among the interfaces. Attention should be paid to
interface management throughout the project.

Product integration is more than just a one-time assembly of the product components at the conclusion of design and fabrication. Product integration can be conducted incrementally, using an iterative process of assembling product components, evaluating them, and then assembling more product components. This process may begin with analysis and simulations (e.g., threads, rapid prototypes, virtual prototypes, and physical prototypes) and steadily progress through increasingly more realistic incremental functionality until the final product is achieved. In each successive build, prototypes (virtual, rapid,or physical) are constructed, evaluated, improved, and reconstructed based upon knowledge gained in the evaluation process. The degree of virtual vs. physical prototyping required depends on the functionality of the design tools, the complexity of the product, and its associated risk.

There is a high probability that the product, integrated in this manner, will pass product verification and validation. For some products, the last integration phase will occur when the product is deployed at its intended operational site.


Specific and Generic Goals
SG 1 Prepare for Product Integration
Preparation for product integration is conducted.
SG 2 Ensure Interface Compatibility

The product-component interfaces, both internal and external, are compatible.
SG 3 Assemble Product Components and Deliver the Product
Verified product components are assembled and the integrated, verified, and validated product is delivered.
GG 3 Institutionalize a Defined Process
The process is institutionalized as a defined process.


Practice-to-Goal Relationship Table
SG 1 Prepare for Product Integration
SP 1.1 Determine Integration Sequence
SP 1.2 Establish the Product Integration Environment
SP 1.3 Establish Product Integration Procedures and Criteria


SG 2 Ensure Interface Compatibility
SP 2.1 Review Interface Descriptions for Completeness
SP 2.2 Manage Interfaces

SG 3 Assemble Product Components and Deliver the Product
SP 3.1 Confirm Readiness of Product Components for Integration
SP 3.2 Assemble Product Components
SP 3.3 Evaluate Assembled Product Components
SP 3.4 Package and Deliver the Product or Product Component

GG 3 Institutionalize a Defined Process
GP 2.1 (CO 1) Establish an Organizational Policy
GP 3.1 (AB 1) Establish a Defined Process
GP 2.2 (AB 2) Plan the Process
GP 2.3 (AB 3) Provide Resources
GP 2.4 (AB 4) Assign Responsibility
GP 2.5 (AB 5) Train People
GP 2.6 (DI 1) Manage Configurations
GP 2.7 (DI 2) Identify and Involve Relevant Stakeholders
GP 2.8 (DI 3) Monitor and Control the Process
GP 3.2 (DI 4) Collect Improvement Information
GP 2.9 (VE 1) Objectively Evaluate Adherence
GP 2.10 (VE 2) Review Status with Higher Level Management