Integrated Product Team (IPT) (glossary)

(1) an interdisciplinary team assigned to an element of the system breakdown structure

(2) an interdisciplinary team

Source(s)

Adapted from Browning, Tyson R. 2009. Using the Design Structure Matrix to Design Program Organizations. In Handbook of Systems Engineering and Management, edited by A. P. Sage and W. B. Rouse. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, pp. 1415-1416.

Discussion

The primary definition is adapted from Browning and corresponds to the Glossary Term Owner's understanding of the traditional meaning of Integrated Product Team. The second definition is not found in any reference but corresponds to the meaning that has evolved in many segments of industry.

In industry the term "functional IPT" is also used to designate teams that are not assigned to an element of the system structural breakdown structure but rather represent disciplines that cross system element boundaries, such as reliability.