Decision support systems for new product introduction

Realising new product designs requires the co-ordination of design tasks, from the early definition of product structure through to the specification of tolerances. New software tools make extensive use of links to existing CAD product models to minimise the effort required for each task but the downside is that this restricts their application to the detailed design stage. This paper proposes a system in which the traditional CAD model is supplemented by an Aggregate Product Model, to represent the product during early design. This model allows early manufacturability assessments, including the selection of suppliers, to be carried out via a new aggregate level process planning method. The Aggregate Product Model can be continually refined into a fully toleranced CAD model for use by detailed design and virtual manufacturing software. The primary benefit is the ability to develop several aggregate product models during the early stages of design, only deciding on the best option after an initial manufacturing assessment has taken place. Additionally, the early identification of difficult to manufacture components allows the application of time intensive detail design tools to be directed to where they will be most effective.