An integrated product-process design methodology for cost-effective product realisation

Methods related to Design for X are known to have contributed positively to product designs, resource selection and realisation of products. Despite these achievements, frequent design errors which can be attributed to the lack of integration of design and manufacturing concepts exist. Departmentalisation, skill concentration and protection of institutional interests contribute largely to the non-full integration of design and manufacturing methods. This article adopts a process-engineering approach which supports the development and integration of product and process models for design concept analysis. The methodology described in this article is part of a broad-based design methodology with a potential to improve design and manufacturing integration and offers solutions for effective and timely reconfiguration of manufacturing systems in view of meeting market demands.