Abstract
Gates are events used to help companies to decide for the continuation or suspension of a new product development (NPD) project. We discuss the evolutionary concept of quality gates and present limitations of its process. Two case studies are shown and analysed based on the bibliography review and on our experiences with gates. We propose a quality gate approach that provides flexibility for the NPD process. We propose additional features to the gate process beyond the definition of deliverables, exit criteria, quality gate results, quality gate team and the decision making process, which has to be integrated with product portfolio decisions. The gate process is presented in detail as well the customisation rules. We conclude that this proposal presents a process-oriented approach that confers flexibility on the quality gate, solving most of problems and limitations of current gate processes. Many considerations about the application of this proposal are also presented.