The Procter Gamble Company

Suzanne Miranda Kopcha

Joseph Fernand Deflander

John Eugene Planalp

A system, method, and computer readable storage medium for managing product development include a relational database containing draft, approved, and archived versions of product, package, materials, process, and artwork technical data for use by product development personnel in providing a structured set of data output for use in a supply chain. In one embodiment, the relational database includes objects having data to describe design requirements of a finished product component such as a formula, material, package, and the like. Text documents may be linked to the relational data structure by reference to provide design requirements not amenable to a structured data format, such as test methods, process instructions, and the like. The system, method, and computer readable storage medium provide for electronic communication and electronic approval of data subsets while tracking changes and archiving previous versions for subsequent access or reference. System validation and ongoing change control provide necessary support for products in regulated industries.

System and method for managing product development

Product development is accomplished through a plurality of product development tools, each tool assisting in a separate aspect of product development. Each tool has at least one instantiation of a tool module implementing tool logic and a tool database accessible by each tool module. Each product development tool communicates with a global readiness database. The readiness database includes common information accessible by more than one of the product development tools. At least one product supply tool accesses the readiness database to read product development information.

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Cincinnati, OH, United States of America

Suzanne Miranda Kopcha