An integrated approach to evaluating conceptual design alternatives in a new product development environment

As many companies have demonstrated over time, a conceptual design for a new product contributes greatly to an improvement in competitiveness, because it permits a reduction of costs, an increase in quality, and, often, a shortening of the time necessary to get the product on the market. That is why the evaluation of conceptual design alternatives created in a new product development (NPD) environment has long been very vital and a critical point for the future success of companies in fast-growing markets. These alternatives can be evaluated using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), one of the most commonly used multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) techniques. This technique is used to reduce the number of conceptual design alternatives after ranking them using the scores obtained from the process. Furthermore, another technique, simulation analysis integrated with the AHP, is also used to help decision makers (product engineers or managers) perform economic analyses of the AHP's high-score alternatives using data from the generated simulation model of a real-life manufacturing system in which the final alternative is produced. In short, the objectives of this research are: first, to use the AHP technique to evaluate conceptual design alternatives in a NPD environment; second, to use a simulation generator integrated with this technique in order to perform economic analyses for the AHP's high-score alternatives. Finally, the results of both techniques, simulation and AHP, are used in a benefit/cost (B/C) analysis to reach a final decision on the conceptual design alternatives.     

Relationships between lean product development enablers and problems

The lean product development (LPD) approach uses lean principles and enablers (tools, techniques and practices) to reduce waste and continuously improve the product development processes (PDP). Other than reducing product development lead time, LPD also aims at improving quality by reducing problems that might occur during the process. Several LPD enablers are proposed in the existing literature; however, there is limited knowledge on how these enablers may effectively counteract the occurrence of problems in the PDP. We empirically tested the association between 4 groups of LPD enablers and 11 groups of LPD problems in a sample of 64 companies that are undergoing lean implementation in the shop floor and administrative areas. There are two major contributions here. First, we propose an empirically validated instrument for assessing the adoption of LPD enablers and the incidence of LPD problems in companies filling an existing gap in the literature. Second, we provide understanding on how LPD enablers can mitigate the incidence of LPD problems, allowing companies undergoing lean implementation to better manage their PDP. Moreover, some results demonstrate that the association between enablers and problems may not be as suggested in the existing literature.     

Computerized product process: Measurement and continuous improvement

Product development has until recently been considered pure art instead of being a controllable process. However, the current competitive environment has forced companies to take a closer look in the way new products are being developed. A key element in this assessment is the development of a set of metrics, which describe the whole product development process. This article explores the data-based opportunities for continuous improvement in the product development process emerging alongside the increasing utilization of networked Information Technology (IT) applications. Based on data from information systems in the case-study companies, three different product process visualizations are presented. Each visualization is discussed both from the viewpoint of its explanatory power as well as its limitations.The results of the case-studies clearly indicate that the computerization of the engineering and design processes is generating new ways of measuring, understanding and improving product development. The appropriate measures combined with open communication and a learning environment can be used to create a cycle of continually improving the product development process.     

Modelling engineering change management in a new product development supply chain

The changes within a new product development (NPD) process are handled differently depending on the stage of the project. The changes during the initial stages of the project are addressed by design iterations, while the changes after the product design is complete are addressed using a formal engineering change management (ECM) process. The ECM process is a complex process, especially under a collaborative environment, where various independent entities work together for a common cause of product development. The interactions between the NPD and ECM processes have rarely been investigated in the research community. In this paper, we attempt to study the interactions between the various NPD and ECM process parameters by modelling the processes and simulated the model to understand the parameter interactions. The organisations in a supply chain have been characterised based on their interactions with the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) during the NPD process. The organisation process templates representing the NPD and ECM processes of each type of organisation in the supply chain have been modelled. The templates have been used to develop a simulation model representing the NPD and ECM processes for a supply chain. The process variables, such as processing rates, resources, resource composition, resource allocation priority, processing quality and phase overlap, have been included in the model. The results indicate that most of the variables and interactions among the variables have a significant influence on the NPD lead time. By identifying the status of?the NPD process, the decision-makers can use these results to develop appropriate management policies to govern their product development projects.     

Improved new product development through enhanced design architecture for engineer-to-order companies

There are many challenges that face companies today in the new product introduction process. These can include reduced design times, fast times to market, improved quality and the need for constant price reductions in order to keep up with the competition. Engineer-to-order firms face even more challenges because of the ‘build to order’ way that they must do business. This study presents new ways for these companies to meet the challenges posed by the market using a business case relating to the product introduction process at a mid-size (～$75 million annual sales) engineer-to-order manufacturer of flexible printed circuits. The company has developed a new product introduction process that seeks to improve quality and delivery times as well as process development for the project at hand. These suggested outcomes of the improved process are generic and widely applicable to contract manufacturers involved in the new product introduction process enabling them to work closely with customers thereby effectively addressing their design concerns. The updated procedures are examined in-depth and the associated forms and record-keeping methods are presented and analysed. The new product introduction process utilises Deming's plan, do, check and act process improvement cycle. Finally, various contributions emanating from the study that enhance our understanding of any engineer-to-order new product development environment are presented.     

数字化智能化产品设计方法与技术的发展

目的 回顾产品设计方法与技术的发展经历,建立设计方法与技术的定式化分类框架,分析数字化智能化产品设计技术的研究与应用热点,展望智能化创新设计技术的未来发展趋势与挑战。方法 通过对已有的产品设计方法与技术的分析,将设计对象、设计阶段、设计资源、设计手段作为设计方法与技术的分类要素,构建设计方法与技术的定式化分类框架;通过确定各分类要素的具体内容,可以明确不同的设计方法与技术,如数字化智能化产品设计技术;利用该定式化分类框架,展望未来数字化智能化产品设计技术的发展趋势。结论 提出了一种用于产品设计方法与技术定式化的分类框架,界定了基于模型的系统设计与仿真优化、基于互联网的开放式众包设计和数据驱动的设计等三个热点研究方向,指出了产品全生命周期一体化设计、混合智能驱动的创新设计的趋势与挑战。     

A fuzzy AHP-based simulation approach to concept evaluation in a NPD environment

The evaluation process of conceptual design alternatives in a new product development environment is a critical point for companies who operate in fast-growing markets. Various methods exist that are able to successfully carry out this difficult and time-consuming process. One of these methods, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) has been widely used to solve multiple-criteria decision-making problems (i.e., concept evaluation, equipment selection) in both academic research and in industrial practice. However, due to vagueness and uncertainty in the decision-maker's judgment, a crisp, pair-wise comparison with a conventional AHP may be unable to accurately capture the decision-maker's judgment. Therefore, fuzzy logic is introduced into the pair-wise comparison in the AHP to compensate for this deficiency in the conventional AHP. This is referred to as fuzzy AHP. In this paper, a fuzzy AHP method is used to reduce a set of conceptual design alternatives by eliminating those whose scores (or weights) are smaller than a predetermined constant value obtained under certain circumstances. Then, simulation analysis is integrated with the fuzzy AHP method, and the hybrid method is used to help the decision-makers (product engineers or managers) evaluate the remaining alternatives from the fuzzy AHP method. A real-life manufacturing system is used as the testbed for the proposed techniques. Finally, the results of both techniques, fuzzy AHP and simulation, are used for Preference Ratio analysis to reach to the final alternative.     

Lean Product Development—Faster,Better … Cleaner?

To address this challenge, lean product development has emerged to become the leading improvement methodology for companies toward the creation of a competitive advantage on innovation and technology leadership. While lean product development has its origin in the best practice studies of Japanese car manufacturers such as Toyota, it has been further elaborated in defence and aerospace organizations over the last two decades, and recently empirical evidence has become available for successful introductions in sectors different from the traditionally-studied environments. The primary purpose of this work is to untangle the fuzziness that still surrounds lean product development and to ground the key aspects of lean product development based on insights from six studies published in a special issue of the Engineering Management Journal on this topic. This demonstrates how better and faster product development can be achieved through the integration of lean principles with the best of more traditional new product development (NPD) practices, into a holistic system that can be characterised by value-focused and risk-based decision making, the socio-technical integration of people and process, improved project, pipeline and portfolio management, optimized knowledge management, and the creation of a learning organization. Unfortunately, while the increasing global competition offers the potential to improve the quality of life for many, the spirit of faster, better, and cheaper also threatens to endanger the future of our planet as a whole. As the majority of a product’s social and ecological impacts are committed in the design phase, it, therefore, seems imperative to investigate the integration of lean product development and eco-design principles. As a result, this work also explores the symbiosis of both approaches through the identification of tools and methods that can support the triple bottom-line goals for a sustainable future of life and business.     

The integration of lightweight representation and annotation for collaborative design representation

Today companies face the unprecedented challenges of a global market, collaborative environments and the concept of management of the entire product life cycle. In supporting this, the challenge is not only how to utilize information management policies, but also how to develop product representation methods to meet the new demands including platform/application independence, support for the product lifecycle, assisting generation of viewpoint-specific representations, rapid sharing of information between geographically distributed applications and users, and protection of commercial security (intellectual property). This paper proposes a product representation approach using the strengths of lightweight representation and annotation and markup practices to allow the association of product data from throughout the lifecycle with the geometric form of the product. The approach, called Lightweight Model with Multi-layer Annotation (LIMMA), integrates the concept of lightweight representation with annotation of boundary-representations (b-rep) of a product and the use of a formalised markup language (XML). Examples of annotation layers and development of models through-life are given, based on the LIMMA approach.     

冬季运动服装装备的功能性设计实践研究

目的 为了深入探讨冬季运动服装装备的功能性设计实践研究的发展态势,对我国冬季运动服装装备的功能性设计实践及其发展趋势进行系统化的梳理和分析,明确我国冬季运动服装装备未来的发展趋势及其应用的可行性。方法 首先对冬季运动服装装备进行概述,其次利用文献分析法总结冬季运动服装装备的发展历程和现状,最后对冬季运动服装装备的发展趋势进行预测。结果 以冬季运动服装装备设计为例,提出了一种新的冬季运动服装装备设计思路,设计制作强调了功能性和用户体验的平衡。结论 通过研究冬季运动服装装备的功能性设计实践及在中国冰雪大势的机遇下,提供了一种新的视角来看待冬季运动服装装备的设计,为未来的产品开发和创新提供有价值的参考。     

Balancing concurrent engineering environmental factors for improved product development performance

Global competitive pressure has motivated many companies to change to a more rapid form of product development such as concurrent engineering (CE). Researchers have shown that without establishing the appropriate environments for CE, companies may fail to achieve all the benefits of using CE as a product development process. The primary purposes of this study were to determine: the relationships between a select group of environmental factors that contribute to a successful CE program, and the effects of a balanced approach among the factors on performance. This research design for this study is based on two case studies and a survey of product development managers. Data and information gathered from the case studies and the survey are used in ANOVA statistical procedures to examine the relationship between CE environmental factors and product development performance. Among other things, the results of this study show that CE factors such as the size of the project are less important than balancing the resources (i.e. technology and human) of the organization.     

Linking quality citizenship to process design: a quality management perspective

As organisations emphasise their role in society, there is a need to determine the effect of socially responsible practices on organisational processes and firm performance. Although the effect of corporate social responsibility on firm performance has been addressed from different perspectives, little is known about the influence of corporate social responsibility on organisational processes and internal operations of firms. The paper aims to make a link between corporate social responsibility, quality management practices and quality outcomes through emphasising quality citizenship as one of the practices associated with quality management. This paper provides a new perspective on the link between quality citizenship and product/process design within the quality management framework. The stakeholder theory of the firm is used to explain the formation and development of new management practices within a firm. Data were collected from managers in the petroleum industry to examine the role of quality citizenship on design and development of organisational processes. The results show that quality citizenship has a significant effect on employee involvement and an indirect effect on process design. Quality citizenship enables firms to obtain a much broader perspective on product/process design and facilitates design and development of products, services and processes that meet the needs of a broader set of customers – the stakeholders.     

A Step Toward Risk Mitigation During Conceptual Product Design: Component Selection for Risk Reduction

The objective of this article is to introduce a method that will mitigate product risks during the conceptual design phase by identifying design variables that affect product failures. By using this comprehensive, step-by-step process that combines existing techniques in a new way, designers can begin with a simple functional model and emerge from the conceptual design phase with specific components selected with many risks already mitigated. The risk in early design (RED) method plays a significant role in identifying failure modes by functions, and these modes are then analyzed through modeling equations or lifespan analyses, in such a manner that emphasizes variables under the designers’ control. With the valuable insight this method provides, informed decisions can be made early in the process, thereby eliminating costly changes later on.     

Design in small manufacturing companies in Scotland

This paper gives the results of a survey of small manufacturing companies in Scotland with reference to their managers' understanding of and attitudes towards design; their control of the product design/development process; the communication of design objectives within the firm and forward planning for new product development. The survey revealed a generally positive attitude to design in the companies visited and the crucial role of both suppliers and customers in ensuring the success of the design activity.     

QFD optimization using linear physical programming

A new approach to quality function deployment (QFD) optimization is presented. The approach uses the linear physical programming (LPP) technique to maximize overall customer satisfaction in product design. QFD is a customer-focused product design method which translates customer requirements into product engineering characteristics. Because market competition is multidimensional, companies must maximize overall customer satisfaction by optimizing the design of their products. At the same time, all constraints (e.g. product development time, development cost, manufacturing cost, human resource in design and production, etc.) must be taken into consideration. LPP avoids the need to specify an importance weight for each objective in advance. This is an effective way of obtaining optimal results. Following a brief introduction to LPP in QFD, the proposed approach is described. A numerical example is given to illustrate its application and a sensitivity analysis is carried out. Using LPP in QFD optimization provides a new direction for optimizing the product design process.     

Conceptualising the nexus of projects,finance and capacity in construction business

This paper addresses a research question on why construction companies fail in their business. Starting with the concept of growth and capacity underinvestment archetype, a new and operational systems thinking model is developed. The conceptual systems thinking model includes a set of causal structure that can explain various modes (including the growth and failure modes) of business performance of small and medium construction companies. Mainly the three components – projects, finance and capacity – and the understanding of their nexus (or causal inter-relationships) are found to be sufficient to reveal different performance modes in construction business. Further, the three operational aspects, namely, the business growth or decline process; the situation of financial and other capacity resource consumption; and the management of projects, finance and other capacity resources have been identified as the inter-related core and integral aspects of construction business. The three inter-related core aspects could actually include and explain different possible range of business situations, policies and practices in a construction company.     

基于用户需求的陶瓷茶具分析及设计评价

文章从用户需求的角度,建立了一种符合用户需求的陶瓷茶具及设计评价方法。通过层次分析法以定性和定量相结合的方法将陶瓷茶具的具体用户需求进行量化,以确定符合用户需求的陶瓷茶具产品开发设计方向。再运用模糊综合评价法,基于用户需求对陶瓷茶具的设计开发成果进行评分,得到最符合用户需求的陶瓷茶具。通过层次分析法构建的用户需求权重模型,对企业在产品开发过程中客观、准确地获取用户真实需求具有现实意义,同时辅助企业在开发前期对陶瓷茶具方案评价提供量化参考。     

The role of product feature relations in a knowledge based methodology to manage design modifications for product measurability

During product development, the verification process should already be considered at the design phase to ensure that the characteristics of the product are measured effectively and reliably. Moreover, the verification process may prove more effective if the inspector is aware of the specific designer's intents. The development of the new ISO GPS (Geometrical Product Specifications) standards is mainly founded on these considerations. In accordance with the ISO GPS concepts, previous work developed a knowledge based system named Design GuideLines (DGLs). This system provides the designer with the knowledge concerning the manufacturing and verification procedures/tools and better links the manufacturing and verification processes to the designer's activities/needs. Further research then exploited the DGLs to discover the relations among product features determined by a particular manufacturing process.

This work again uses the DGLs to prove that further relations among product features may also be determined by the verification process. This knowledge helps designers in understanding the consequences of the modifications applied to the product features required to improve the measurability of the product. Moreover, inspectors can better manage the verification procedure knowing these relations among the product features.     

基于保质设计方法的产品开发决策研究

讨论了保质设计思想指导下的产品开发设计策略,并以产品开发设计的关键阶段——概念设计为对象,进一步研究了产品概念设计决策过程,建立了产品概念设计方案的评价指标体系和基于模糊优选理论的决策模型.     

The impact of applying product-modelling techniques in configurator projects

This paper aims to increase understanding of the impact of using product-modelling techniques to structure and formalise knowledge in configurator projects. Companies that provide customised products increasingly apply configurators in support of sales and design activities, reaping benefits that include shorter lead times, improved quality of specifications and products, and lower overall product costs. The design and implementation of configurators are a challenging task that calls for scientifically based modelling techniques to support the formal representation of configurator knowledge. Even though extant literature has shown the importance of formal modelling techniques, the impact of utilising these techniques remains relatively unknown. Therefore, this article studies three main areas: (1) the impact of using modelling techniques based on Unified Modelling Language (UML), in which the phenomenon model and information model are considered visually, (2) non-UML-based modelling techniques, in which only the phenomenon model is considered and (3) non-formal modelling techniques. This study analyses the impact to companies from increased availability of product knowledge and improved control of product variants. The methodology employed is an exploratory survey, followed by interviews with 18 manufacturing companies providing customised products. The results indicate that companies using UML-based modelling techniques tend to have improved documentation of their product knowledge and an improved ability to reduce the number of product variants. This paper contributes to an increased understanding of what companies can gain from using more formalised modelling techniques in configurator projects, and under what circumstances they should be used.