The critical items list is a top level summary of problems/cost used for discussions with management about key reliability issues. The summary list converts technical details to a summary of costs and time while placing the issues into a Pareto distribution explained in terms of money and the vital few problems to be solved for competitive reasons.
Why: The purpose of the critical items list is to focus management’s attention on items that need to be resolved during the design phase as a corrective action loop for influencing the life time costs.
When: The list starts with the first design review as issues are disclosed in design reviews for reliability.
Where: The critical items list is presented to top level management as issues to be accepted or resolved before paper plans become steel and concrete.
These definitions are written by H. Paul Barringer and are also posted on his web site at www.barringer1.com