Design Optimization in Concurrent Engineering: A Team Approach

Abstract

This paper consists of three distinct yet interrelated sections The first section addresses a team approach to concurrent engineering and discusses various aspects of multi-disciplinary teams The benefits of having representation from different functional areas in multi- disciplinary teams are explored and presented These functional areas include but are not limited to manufacturing, maintenance, logistics, materials, and marketing On the other hand, the negative effects of "over-the-wall-design" are identified and delineated Section two considers the system design This section of the paper focuses on Quality Function Deployment (QFD) and how it is used in a concurrent engineering en vironment An example (a product) is provided and analyzed to determine its strengths and weaknesses with respect to its competitors The prod uct features that can be improved are identified so that the product is competitively positioned with respect to market forces and competitors Section three focuses on parameter design of the product selected in section two Design of experiment (DOE) is the technique chosen to analyze the parameter design The parameters of the product selected in section two are then identified and analyzed The treatments and combinations having the maximum effect on the design outcome are identfied and presented A methodology is presented by which the optimum levels of these parameters based on yield and cost are determined The advantages and implications of using teamwork and multi-disciplinary teams in conducting such studies are presented Finally, conclusion and assessment is presented and future research directions are explored