PM MIM DFM Handoff - Prototype to Pilot Control Plan
Detailed handoff protocol for PM/MIM transition programs, including data package requirements, gate governance, and escalation rules for robotics hardware teams.
Most route transitions fail at handoff quality, not at CAD quality.
When prototype teams and pilot teams use different assumptions, route transitions produce cost overruns and release delays.
Related pages:
Execution scope note
The handoff model here is capability-agnostic. For each project, document which steps are machining/integration scope and which steps run through qualified partner execution under one accountable program workflow.
Minimum data package for DFM handoff
| Package block | Required fields | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Design definition | CAD revision, CTQ classes, datum scheme | Prevents hidden design interpretation drift |
| Route assumptions | Candidate process class, fallback route, exclusions | Avoids premature route lock |
| Validation protocol | Test method, limit values, sampling policy | Makes pilot acceptance auditable |
| Risk controls | Known failure modes, containment owner, response SLA | Reduces downtime during first pilot lots |
| Release evidence | Required report list and naming standard | Prevents document-pack delays at shipment gate |
If one block is missing, the handoff is incomplete.
Stage gates for prototype-to-pilot transfer
| Gate | Primary owner | Exit criteria | Escalation trigger |
|---|---|---|---|
| G1 DFM alignment | Engineering | CTQ + route assumptions frozen | Unresolved datum ambiguity |
| G2 Process prep | Manufacturing engineering | Work instructions and checks approved | Missing measurement method |
| G3 Pilot validation | Quality + engineering | Pilot lots meet acceptance package | Repeated NCR on same CTQ |
| G4 Ramp readiness | Program owner | Fallback and change control approved | Forecast or revision instability |
Visual: handoff timeline
Escalation matrix (do this before pilot)
| Trigger | Owner | Response window | Containment action |
|---|---|---|---|
| CTQ fail repeats in 2 consecutive lots | Supplier quality lead | 24 hours | Freeze release and run root-cause split by feature class |
| Validation method mismatch | Buyer engineering + supplier engineering | 24 hours | Re-baseline method and recheck affected data |
| Missing release evidence pack | Program operations | 12 hours | Hold shipment and complete mandatory doc set |
| Route assumption invalidated by new revision | Program owner | 48 hours | Re-open G1 and retain fallback route |
RFQ handoff block (copy-ready)
Program: [name]
Revision: [rev]
Pilot qty / repeat qty: [x / y]
Handoff package required:
- CTQ class map
- Route assumptions and exclusions
- Validation protocol and sampling
- Escalation owner matrix
- Release evidence listFinal decision rule
A transition program is pilot-ready only when data package completeness and gate ownership clarity are both true.
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