Computerized Concurrent Product- Process Development Brings New Tools and New Engineers

The enabling technologies used in Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) make it possible to carry multiple concepts of the product and the manufacturing facility through early phases of the development process. The evaluation and conceptualization of these multiple alternatives arc closely integrated with the customers' perceived needs, marketing objectives, pricing strategies, and business considerations. Due to the integration of these functions, tomorrow's engineers will require a basic understanding of the many elements of product development. The tools these engineers will use will need to be transparent to various users across a range of functions.

This article addresses the reasons behind development of the Concurrent Product/Process Development (CP/PD) Methodology. It discusses the key elements of the methodology, as well as the impact CP/PD will have on engineers and the tools that they will be using.