Short answer

Shift from a sequential design process to a concurrent one where manufacturing and supply chain constraints and opportunities are actively considered alongside core design decisions from the outset.

Field
Innovation & Design
Source
INCOSE International Symposium (2023)
Method
Optimization Design Campaign
Evidence
Strong effect

Incorporating manufacturing and supply chain considerations from the initial stages of aircraft development can lead to significant improvements in overall design value. This innovation & design research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in INCOSE International Symposium. Using Optimization design campaign, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Shift from a sequential design process to a concurrent one where manufacturing and supply chain constraints and opportunities are actively considered alongside core design decisions from the outset.

Study
Innovation & DesignRecentStrong effect

Early-stage integration of manufacturing and supply chain optimizes aircraft design value

Incorporating manufacturing and supply chain considerations from the initial stages of aircraft development can lead to significant improvements in overall design value.

INCOSE International Symposium · 2023

01

Key Findings

  • 01Integration of manufacturing and supply chain in early design phases yields significant advantages.
  • 02A value-driven methodology can concurrently couple design, manufacturing, and supply chain variables.
  • 03Identification of non-dominated solutions is achievable by considering these integrated variables.
02

Application

Design takeaway

Shift from a sequential design process to a concurrent one where manufacturing and supply chain constraints and opportunities are actively considered alongside core design decisions from the outset.

How to apply

When initiating a new product development project, convene cross-functional teams including manufacturing engineers and supply chain specialists to define key performance indicators and constraints that will inform the design from day one.

Project actions

  • 01When starting a design project, consider the manufacturing and supply chain implications early on.
  • 02Use tools or frameworks that allow for simultaneous consideration of design, manufacturing, and supply chain factors.
03

Method & Evidence

AimHow can a value-driven methodology concurrently coupling design, manufacturing, and supply chain variables identify non-dominated solutions in the early development stage of complex systems like aircraft?
MethodOptimization Design Campaign
ProcedureA value-driven methodology was developed and applied to concurrently couple design, manufacturing, and supply chain variables. An optimization campaign was conducted to identify non-dominated solutions that simultaneously account for these diverse variables.
ContextAerospace Engineering, Early-stage Product Development

Variables

IVIntegration of manufacturing and supply chain considerations in early design stages.
DVOverall design value (e.g., cost, efficiency, feasibility).
CVComplexity of the product being designed (e.g., aircraft), specific optimization algorithms used.
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Addresses a critical gap in traditional design processes by emphasizing early integration.
  • +Proposes a concrete methodology (value-driven, concurrent coupling) for optimization.

Limitations

It can be challenging to accurately model complex supply chains or manufacturing processes for a student design project. Access to real-world data might be limited.

Reliability & validity

The study's reliability would depend on the robustness of the optimization algorithms and the accuracy of the data used for manufacturing and supply chain variables. Validity is supported by its focus on a critical aspect of product development with potential for significant impact.

Think critically

To what extent can the 'value' be objectively quantified and balanced across design, manufacturing, and supply chain domains, especially when these may have competing priorities?

05

Design Principles

"Concurrent engineering across design, manufacturing, and supply chain domains leads to optimized product value."

This approach challenges traditional linear design processes by advocating for a concurrent, value-driven methodology. By considering these interconnected domains early on, design teams can proactively identify and resolve potential conflicts or inefficiencies, leading to more robust and cost-effective solutions.

06

What This Means for Your Design

Think about how a product will be made and delivered right from the start of designing it, not just how it looks or works. This helps make better, more efficient products.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Reference this study when discussing the importance of early integration of manufacturing and supply chain considerations in your design process.
  • 2.Use the concept of concurrent engineering to justify your design decisions that account for production and logistics.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research highlights the significant advantages of integrating manufacturing and supply chain considerations into the early stages of product development. By adopting a value-driven, concurrent methodology, designers can identify optimal solutions that account for these critical domains from the outset, leading to more efficient and cost-effective outcomes.

09

Source

INCOSE International Symposium

Value‐driven Optimization Campaign Addressing Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Overall Aircraft Design Domains in the Early Development Stage

journal · 2023

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about early-stage integration of manufacturing and supply chain optimizes aircraft design value?
Shift from a sequential design process to a concurrent one where manufacturing and supply chain constraints and opportunities are actively considered alongside core design decisions from the outset. Evidence: INCOSE International Symposium (2023).
Why does "Early-stage integration of manufacturing and supply chain optimizes aircraft design value" matter for design?
This approach challenges traditional linear design processes by advocating for a concurrent, value-driven methodology. By considering these interconnected domains early on, design teams can proactively identify and resolve potential conflicts or inefficiencies, leading to more robust and cost-effective solutions.
How can designers apply this research?
Shift from a sequential design process to a concurrent one where manufacturing and supply chain constraints and opportunities are actively considered alongside core design decisions from the outset.
What were the main findings?
Integration of manufacturing and supply chain in early design phases yields significant advantages.. A value-driven methodology can concurrently couple design, manufacturing, and supply chain variables.. Identification of non-dominated solutions is achievable by considering these integrated variables.
What research method was used?
Optimization Design Campaign.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2023 journal from INCOSE International Symposium.
What should I do differently in my next project?
When initiating a new product development project, convene cross-functional teams including manufacturing engineers and supply chain specialists to define key performance indicators and constraints that will inform the design from day one.
What are the limitations?
The study's focus on aircraft design may limit direct applicability to other industries without adaptation. The complexity of real-world supply chains and manufacturing processes can introduce further variables not fully captured.