Implementing Concurrent Engineering in Small Companies

Book excerpt: Presenting a systematic approach to concurrent engineering (CE), this reference accommodates the small corporation's quest to incorporate better design management practices. The author provides an easy-to-follow methodology that eliminates the need for costly consultants, promotes environmentally friendly solutions, and introduces three main design models to aid in new, evolutionary, and incremental product design. She also examines how the adoption of CE practices improves overall performance. Topics include engineering specifications for product parameters, conceptual and embodiment design, vendor selection and approval, prototyping, and line and equipment installation.