Roadmapping
Managing a NPD portfolio is all about making choices: which project is in, which is out, what level of budget and resources from project to project; and how all those projects are fitted together in light of organizational capabilities and strategy. Roadmapping is a visual tool to represent the relationships and timing of technologies, product and market in a clear and understandable manner. It allows projects to be ordered and organized relative to technology and market generations. This helps managers understand the key linkages between each project and help them to select the right combination.
....... The IFT offering is the only software solution to provide in one single integrated solution "best in class" New Product Development practices and functionality:
1. Portfolio and Idea Management
n At strategic level: alignment, product & technology roadmapping, financial planning, capacity planning
n At tactical level: idea & initiative mgmt, financial value, priorities, balance, budget & resource management
2. Stage-Gate Process
n Business Case, Evaluation and Scoring, Go/Hold/Kill, resource allocation, deliverable tracking
n Repeatable, reliable, measurable, auditable
3. Project Management
n Execution: planning & scheduling, matrix resource management, cost control, risk & progress monitoring
Benefits
......Key Capabilities
n Centralized environment for all stakeholders to update and access roadmap information, taking into account data confidentiality
n Create interdependencies between projects, platforms and technologies
n Associate any type of information to any elements of the roadmap including documents
n Simulate new scenario to better leverage available technologies or to take into account key issues affecting product or technology development
n Clear and concise graphical representation using standardized conventions to facilitate analysis and communication between internal teams, partners and customers 
According to the PDMA ToolBook, when actively reviewed by a management team, integrated product and technology roadmaps helps the organization to answer key questions to drive more value from its technology investments:
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n What technologies are in development for future product use, and where will they be leveraged?
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n Will the required technologies be ready for a given product development project on an appropriate timeline?
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n Where do gaps exist in the technology needs for a future product?
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n How are technologies that are nearing feasibility being leveraged into current products
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n Are there opportunities for additional leverage of mature (or almost mature) technologies that can increase return on the technology investment?