Emerald | World Class Design to Manufacture | Table of Contents

Time-to-market: time equals money – but where does it all go?

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Barry Brooks, Norman Schofield) — Fri, 01 Dec 1995 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Contends that, while the importance of time to product development processes has been underscored by many commentators, it is not until “time” is divided into component elements that the scope for improvement becomes manifest. Since time equals money, effective time management is of self-evident importance. Outlines areas of management focus, through which time is a common thread. Analyses the constituents of time-to-market in terms of their capacity to measure temporal processes and reduce their costs. Proposes a structure to support the changes necessary for such reductions, and delineates the benefits accruing from reduced time-to-market.

Achieving growth, competitive advantage and increased profits

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Mike McGrath, Dean Gilmore) — Fri, 01 Dec 1995 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Summarizes some of the findings of a two-year research project concerned with how technology-based companies can master market challenges and so improve their product strategy. Identifies best practices and some of the prerequisites of successful strategy development which have already been implemented with clients of the authors' organization, Pittiglio, Rabin, Todd & McGrath.

Breathing easier with DFMA

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Miles Parker) — Fri, 01 Dec 1995 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Illustrates the advantages of goal definitions at the earliest stages of product design, both for project engineering teams and for the general management of the design process. Details the progress of a Respironics team which was given the task of redesigning a manual resuscitator to meet demanding quality, standards and short time-to-market deadlines. Offers an explanation of their success in meeting these and other requirements, including reduced cost, improved ease-of-assembly and added features.

Implementing ecological product design

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Sytze H. Kalisvaart, Tom J.J. van der Horst) — Fri, 01 Dec 1995 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Identifies key elements of eco-design and discusses how they could be implemented. Special attention is given to tools for eco-design. Describes a case in which these elements were implemented and draws further conclusions.

Transforming the vision

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (B. Lee Tuttle) — Fri, 01 Dec 1995 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Postulates that once the DFMA team has analysed an original product concept and improved the manufacturability and ease-of-assembly of that concept, they must change the vision of the product in their mind's eye to leap forward. The description of the product verbally in terms of functions, not features, frees the product from physical form in the mind's eye. Once freed from the embodiment of the original product, the DFMA team can teach-launch its concept probe to explore strange new visions, seek out new product concepts and break through the design paradigms. Contends that the journey of the concept probe through time and space is fired by the launching of concept triggers that burst new ideas from the endless darkness of the mind. Explains the development and the application of some personal DFMA team concept triggers.

Rapid tooling

literatinetwork@emeraldinsight.com (Paul Jacobs) — Fri, 01 Dec 1995 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Reviews the contribution to “rapid tooling” of QuickCast 1.0 and QuickCast 1.1. Explains the genesis and development of QuickCast 1.0, illustrating both its technical ability, and its capacity for saving time and money, and also outlining its industrial shortcomings. Gives a thorough elucidation to the more recently introduced QuickCast 1.1 at both theoretical and practical levels – its range of potential applications being documented through case studies – and presents it in terms of its capacity to solve those problems that its predecessor could not. Discusses in detail the characteristics of solutions to these problem areas and provides test results obtained at various foundries.