DFA

Design for Assembly (DFA) and Manufacturing Analysis ( MA )are key elements of Concurrent engineering. In TeamSET they are integrated with a full set of other tools to produce the most powerful suite of concurrent engineering software

DFA is a simple, structured analysis technique which gives design teams the information they need to reduce product costs by simplifying product structure and optimising manufacturing processes

Typical benefits

• reducing the number of parts
• optimising manufacturing processes
• simplifying parts handling
• improving product assembly

• Reduced inventory
• Fewer orders
• Fewer invoices from fewer suppliers
• Fewer quality problems

DFA used as part of an integrated approach encourages the design of products that can be produced at minimum cost and maximum quality and reliability. It gives the best results when used by multi-disciplined New Product Introduction ( NPI ) teams.

DFA gives optimum results when used with the other TeamSET tools: QFD, FMEA, MA, DTC. It is most effective when used by multi-disciplined New Product Introduction ( NPI ) teams.

FMEA is another key tool. It is a simple, structured analysis technique which gives design teams the information they need to improve product quality and reduce cost by:

• Increasing product reliability
• ensuring the design is robust
• reducing the number of engineering changes
• correcting design errors before production starts

Failure Modes and Effects Analysis is standard practice in the automotive industry. Its use is increasing rapidly in a wide range of other industries to produce more reliable products with less wasted cost.

QFD is a detailed planning technique used to translate the 'voice of the customer' into company specifications at each major stage of the Product Introduction Process.

Some of the benefits of QFD are:-

• Products meet customer expectations better.
• Reduced lead times through fewer design changes and focus on key features.
• Design traceability.
• Improved communication within organisation and with customer.

Design to Target Cost (DTC) is the managed process of monitoring and controlling manufacturing cost to a fixed cost target set at the product specification stage. The responsibility for attaining the target cost resides with the project team.

Concept Convergence is a simple, structured technique for comparing and selecting solutions for a set of requirements. The technique can be used for:-

• Evaluating alternative concept designs.
• Identifying strengths and weaknesses in relation to a set of requirements.
• Identifying ideas which have the highest potential.

• DFA
• Manufacturing Analysis
• Design to Target Cost
• FMEA
• QFD
• Controlled Concept Convergence

These are all tools that contribute towards efficient New Product Introduction ( NPI ) and Lean Manufacture.

It is important that all the tools are applied as a team exercise, with input and involvement from all the major stakeholders. This ensures that all aspects of the product design are considered from different points of view.

Follow this link for more information on TeamSET's DFA software.