CONCURRENT ENGINEERING - CONCEPT AND PRACTICE

Just as quality was the key factor in the 1980's, speed to market through integrated product development is seen as the key to success in the 1990's. The concept of concurrent engineering (CE) has been developed as a practical way in which the new criterion may be met. This article looks at CE in concept and practice, starting with the new product criteria and the CE response. It then goes on to describe the component parts of CE, comprising the Purpose, Process, Technology and Human aspects. The advantages of CE are reviewed together with the key themes. Methods of establishing CE within a company are also discussed. Finally, the implications for the practicing engineer are reviewed.