The First Scheduling Step

Establish clear milestones and metrics for all elements involved in product development first.

Most of the focus during new product development is on the development team.  However, the actions and timing of other groups involved before the development team began and those involved after they are finished can have major impacts.  Often, the performance of those groups are overlooked.  Establishing clearly stated milestones and accountability metrics for all groups is required to focus properly on the overall product release goals and timing.