The need for automotive OEMs to manage product complexities and tough time to market in a competitive global industry mandates systems-driven product development process, which combines systems engineering methodology across all development domains with an integrated definition of the product. Businesses unable to adapt quickly lose mind share as well as market share. It is critical to the success of an automotive OEM to apply a consistent process framework based on systems engineering to capture, manage and organize information and knowledge, beginning with the voice of the customer, and continuing through product development, service, support and end-of-life.
Systems engineering is important because it effectively nourishes an initial idea into a full system description, with all necessary elements integrated to form a complete product. This approach is best when companies deal in a multi-disciplinary environment (electrical, mechanical, & software systems) where ever-increasing complexities weigh heavy on effective product development with manufactures to face ever changing market conditions, competitions, customer requirements, time to market and market demands of low cost.
Focusing on customer needs early in development and throughout the product lifecycle reduces late-stage rework and ensures the final product meets target objectives for functionality, cost, performance and quality. In this paper the need for the system engineering, implementation methodology and benefits are detailed to conclude as an ideal solution from a vehicle manufactures perspective.