Concurrent Engineering: Comparison to a Normal Job

Comparison to a Normal Job Overall, the concurrent engineering philosophy requires a focus on all aspects of the build rather than focusing on specific cost areas (e.g., materials design, EDM time, milling, etc.) Opportunities to improve process efficiencies will become obvious.

	Introduction
	Benefits
	Comparison to Normal Job

Normal Project	Concurrently Engineered Project
All data must be complete at tool release before entire tool can be planned and processed.	Because data is released in segments, we're able process information immediately upon availability.
Completed design passed to shop before work can begin.	When this data is processed in stages, the mold is then designed and developed in concurrent stages.
Few processes can be begun including materials acquisition.	There is more emphasis on data exchange and efficient communications with customer to enable processes to become more segmented and be acted upon more quickly.
Focus of tool build is broader in scope and design dependent.	Focus is on stage to be completed with incremental information.
Problem resolution is assumed to be taken care of during design stage, therefore, additional problems can slow or stop progress.	Planning is more flexible and allows problem resolution on the fly.
Setup Planning happens upon receipt of design.	Because programming is based on timing with material receipts, there is no opportunity for a time-saving staged approach. Information critical planning, programming based on geometry receipt. Job may 'stop' if there is a delay in data exchange.
Because a complete set of tool drawings for mold are needed prior to beginning project, there's little opportunity to save on meeting time and design costs.	With excellent communications, design costs are lower due to less or no need for 2D prints up front.
Because tool build costs are based on past tool projects, there is increased opportunity for changes to incur additional fees.	Managing total costs for tools not previously processed in this manner is more efficient if communications methods and project management are utilized.