A SUPPLEMENTAL REPORTING TOOL FOR ASSESSING TECHNOLOGY READINESS

摘要

In current practice, technology maturity is generally measured in terms of Technology Readiness Level (TRL). Technology Readiness Levels range from Level 1 (Basic Principles Observed and Reported) up to Level 9 (Actual System Flight Proven). TR Levels are established by answering multiple generic questions to assess technology maturity at each Level. The TR Level definitions are also generic, and the methodology implicitly assumes that levels are worked consecutively (i.e., that all Level 1 work is completed before beginning Level 2, and so on). These characteristics create limitations in terms of fully and accurately illustrating actual technical progress. This paper proposes a supplemental reporting tool for technology maturity assessment, utilizing customizable scaling levels to reflect actual project milestones, along with a simple binary (Met/Not Met) status for each requirement at each scaling level. Full technology development status can thus be summarized with a single-page chart using simple color-coded blocks to show progress at meeting all requirements for all scaling levels up to final production implementation.