Setting the PACE in product development

Setting the PACE in product development, authored by Michael E. McGrath, emerged in the mid-1990s as a definitive guide to the Product and Cycle-time Excellence (PACE) methodology. Developed originally by the consulting firm Pittiglio Rabin Todd & McGrath (PRTM), this framework was designed to help organizations streamline their product development lifecycles in an increasingly competitive global market. The book serves as a codification of the management principles that aimed to balance speed, cost, and quality within complex engineering and manufacturing environments.

The design of the work reflects a focus on actionable management science, prioritizing structured processes such as phase-gate systems and cross-functional team coordination. By presenting the PACE framework in book form, McGrath sought to standardize best practices for industrial practitioners and project managers. Upon its publication, the text was well-received by professionals in the tech and manufacturing sectors, quickly becoming a standard reference for firms attempting to navigate the transition toward more agile, data-driven product development lifecycles during the late 20th century.