Reducing Manufacturing Cycle Time during Product Design

This paper describes an approach that can reduce manufacturing cycle time during product design. Design for production (DFP) determines how manufacturing a new product design affects the performance of the manufacturing system. This includes design guidelines, capacity analysis, and estimating manufacturing cycle times. Performing these tasks early in the product development process can reduce product development time. Previous researchers have developed various DFP methods for different problem settings. This paper discusses the relevant literature and classifies these methods. The paper presents a systematic DFP approach and a manufacturing system model that can be used to estimate the manufacturing cycle time of a new product. This approach gives feedback that can be used to eliminate cycle time problems. This paper focuses on products that are produced in one facility. We present an example that illustrates the approach and discuss a more general approach for other multiple-facility settings.