Communication Between Engineering and Production:
A Critical Factor
By the end of this module you will be able to:
1. Evaluate the complete impact of design changes
2. Differentiate the types of engineering documentation required for a product
3. Determine the level of detail of documentation required for a product
4. Allocate engineering resources effectively
R-IV-1 discusses the importance of communication and cooperation between engineering design and engineer production such that optimum products can get to market quickly. Stages of the design-production process are described which include design, prototype, pilot, and production, as well as the design freeze cut-off point whence the design is formally frozen. Engineering documentation, which includes drawings, bills of material, schematics, and assembly prints, is a form of engineering communication that is costly to initially create as well as to maintain, so must be judiciously generated. Bills of material must be complete for effective inventory control and planning. Changes to a product will always include both benefits and costs, thus must be thought through carefully before implemented.
Guiding Questions to Consider Prior to the Discussion
1. What is value engineering? Give an example.
2. What is the fundamental characteristic of the design freeze point?
3. When is highly detailed documentation required?
4. What are the costs involved with obsolete inventory?
5. Why is it judicious to batch engineering change requests?
Read R-IV-1, "Communication Between Engineering and Production: A Critical Factor".
R-IV-1 discusses cost and benefit tradeoffs of design changes. A small design change of a product may enhance a product in ways such as cost or weight, but also may result in increased manufacturing, maintenance, loss of inventory, and loss of quality. For a small design change of a product that you are aware of, such as going from a metal to a plastic part on a product, discuss the cost and benefit tradeoffs from both the design viewpoint and the production viewpoint, addressing the questions posed under "Guiding Questions". Also consider documentation costs.
Post your response (250-300 word minimum) to the Discussion Board.