Question

Concurrent Engineering is a work methodology based on the parallelization of tasks.

Write a short essay (750 words or more) on Concurrent Engineering as part of the product designing process. Your essay should discuss and explain the concept of Concurrent Engineering, in addition to relevant points such as, FOR EXAMPLE:

• Why it is important to set ‘Concurrent Engineering’ during design?

• How does this approach work (for a given generic product)?

• What are the benefits and drawbacks of Concurrent Engineering?

• Other points as well, provide your own input..

The essay should be prepared in a neat format that comprises:

• Attempt this assignment individually.

• Do not copy from your peers, any similar submissions will be nullified • A cover page (with your name and ID number included).

• A short introduction paragraph(s).

• Main text answer referring to course materials.

• Evidence of further free reading from library and peer-reviewed resources (suitable number of references from books and scientific articles).

• Tables, figures, and illustrations whenever needed to further support your answer, and make it more clear, strong, and appealing.

• A short conclusion paragraph(s)

• List of references at end of essay.

• Total number of words at end of essay (does not include references and cover page)

Answer 1

Concurrent engineering is the method of designing & developing products simultaneously. In this method different stages of the process run simultaneously. Concurrent engineering is implemented during design inorder to remove the need of multiple designing and reworks.

Generic products are not heavily marketed, there sale totally depends upon quality and public acceptance. Concurrent engineering improve quality of the product as well as decreases the product cost hence publicly accepted.

Concurrent engineering reduces the time of product development, improves product quality, reduces cost of manufacturing. In this all design activities are integrated and executed in a parallel manner. Concurrent engineering replaces the conventional sequential flow of material for manufacturing. Planning, analysis, design, testing, implementation all go simultaneously. If after every step there will be testings & analysis there will be no need of reworks and scraps will be minimized improving the productivity of the industry. Every department of the company works in tandem for development of a product. Little rework and scrap saves significant amount of money and at the end product cost is also minimized giving an edge to this product in the market.

Concurrent engineering has several drawbacks too. As in this many department of the company work together it is very difficult to establish a proper communication between them. Many issues has to addressed properly before implementing concurrent engineering. As for example one working in design section will design the product according to his understanding, he will try to make the design as good as possible, but it is possible that the design made by him is very difficult to be manufactured, i.e. the design may reduce the manufacturability of the product, there will be a conflict of interest between the two department. So interdepartmental communication is tough to be established. Design section has no idea about the manufacturing processes and difficulty of assembly lines. Hence proper coordination is the major drawback of concurrent engineering.