Concurrent engineering is a method used in product development. It is different than the traditional product development approach in that it employs simultaneous, rather than sequential, processes. By completing tasks in parallel, product development can be accomplished more efficiently and at a substantial cost savings.
Rather than completing all physical manufacturing of a prototype prior to performing any testing, concurrent engineering allows for design and analysis to occur at the same time, and multiple times, prior to actual deployment. This multidisciplinary approach emphasizes teamwork through the use of cross-functional teams, and it allows for employees to work collaboratively on all aspects of a project from start to finish.
Also known as the iterative development method, concurrent engineering requires continual review of a team’s progress and frequent revision of project plans. The rationale behind this creative, forward-looking approach is that the earlier the errors can be discovered, the easier and less costly they are to correct. Concurrent engineering practitioners claim that this design management system offers several benefits, including increased product quality for the end user, faster product development times, and lower costs for both the manufacturer and the consumer.
in concurrent engineering,
- Old “over-the –wall” sequential design process should not be used
- Each function did its work and passed it to the next function
- Replace with a Concurrent Engineering process
- All functions form a design team working together to develop specifications, involve customers early, solve potential problems, reduce costs, & shorten time to market
In today's business world, corporations must be able to react to the changing market needs rapidly, effectively, and responsively. They must be able to reduce their time to market and adapt to the changing environments. Decisions must be made quickly and they must be done right the first time out. Corporations can no longer waits time repeating tasks, thereby prolonging the time it takes to bring new products to market. Therefore, concurrent engineering has emerged as way of bringing rapid solutions to product design and development process.
Concurrent engineering is indisputably the wave of the future for new product development for all companies regardless of their size, sophistication, or product portfolio. In order to be competitive, corporations must alter their product and process development cycle to be able to complete diverse tasks concurrently. This new process will benefit the company, although it will require a large amount of refinement in its implementation. This is because concurrent engineering is a process that must be reviewed and adjusted for continuous improvements of engineering and business operations.
Concurrent engineering is recognized as a strategic weapon that businesses must use for effective and efficient product development. It is not a trivial task, but a complex strategic plan that demands full corporate commitment, therefore strong leadership and teamwork go hand and hand with successful concurrent engineering programs.
