A requirement analysis for DFM design support in a DFX context

Abstract

Design for Manufacturing (DFM) support is meant to minimise the need for downstream design changes and to decrease the product time-to-market. The main objective is improved manufacturability, by offering effective design support throughout the entire design process. For this, it is necessary to present the right, up-to-date information, in the right form, at the right moment. It is necessary to deal with design history information, to co-ordinate the supply of information and, since DFM is seen as an element of DFX, to recognise relations with other life-cycle aspects. This paper describes the approach of a research project aimed at developing a DFM methodology and prototype support tool. New research elements are: active support during the entire design process, supporting multiple processes (based on a new classification and DFM methodology), recognition of relations with other life-cycle aspects of the DFX concept.