Question

You have developed a prototype of a software system and your manager is very
impressed by it. She proposes that it should be put into use as a production system, with new
features added as required. This avoids the expense of system development and makes the
system immediately useful. Write a short report for your manager explaining why prototype
systems should not normally be used as production systems.

Answer 1

Answer:

To the designer of prototype and limited use commercial devices, it is not always obvious what level of safety is expected nor which standards apply. Too often, the design engineer is not trained in safety; has neither an understanding of the relative level of safety required nor how to achieve it; and is overwhelmed by the voluminous standards and the cryptic advice offered by private and commercial safety agencies. This report reviews existing product design safety techniques, standards, and regulations applicable to prototype and limited use commercial devices, and establishes an appropriate set of product design safety guidelines for limited use commercial devices based on frequency of use, potential hazard level, user skill level, and use environment.