Implementing A CAD System TO Reduce Costs

Essay, Research Paper

Implementing A CAD System TO Reduce Costs

Introduction

This report will analyze a proposal on how Woodbridge Foam could become more

competitive through improvements in technology. This includes the saving of the

companies money, shortening the design time for new products, decreasing quoting

time and improving quality overall. By implementing a company wide CAD system,

which would be networked together with each customer and all plants, these

improvements could be achieved. Research will include interviewing various

employees as to how business is done and what influences the winning or loosing

of a contract. Research will also include study of both customer and

competitors systems.

Project Scope & Current Evaluation Goals Supported by CAD Initiative:

In converting to a completely independent CAD system, there are a few aspects of

operation which would be greatly improved. The first of the improvements would

be the elimination of paper communication. The need to transfer large drawings

using mylars would cease to be, thus helping provide a paper less environment.

Another improvement as a result of CAD would be that of achieving much tighter

tolerances in building new products. Using a CAD system, part designs could be

received in an electronic format such as a math model. These models are

currently in use by customers such as GM, BMW and Mercedes. The effect of

having math models of all new products would enable a quicker turnaround in both

quoting and production of products. CAD Vendors & Hardware Suppliers: Upon

observing the various systems used by several customers and suppliers, the major

CAD vendors worth consideration have been identified. Manufacturers of high

quality workstations which have been distinguish are: Hewlett Packard (HP) IBM

Silicon Graphics (SGI) SUN Premium, fully functional CAD solutions are: CATIA

(Dassault / IBM) Computervision (Computervision / TSI) SDRC (SDRC / CAD

Solutions) Unigraphics (EDS) Current System Description Success Factors: In

implementing a new, otherwise foreign system into an established habitual way of

doing things, there are several success factors which must be examined. If

these factors are carefully thought over, a favorable shift from old to new may

be obtained. Some critical success factors are as follows: Vendor availability

- Will the chosen system supplier be readily available for technical support?

Product engineering acceptance – Will those who are set in their ways be willing

to abandon their habitual manner of operating? Training – Thorough training of

all related employees must be completed before introduction of the new

system. Data management – A new manner of recording all vital information must

be established and proper procedures documented. Customer interface – Will the

chosen system be compatible with those used by our customers and will needed

data be easily convertible?

Company Weaknesses:

Currently, there are many aspects of our situation which present problems in

coping with changing times, which in turn affect the development of technology.

Some weaknesses in the company which curtail our affiliation with the

developmental progress of our customers and suppliers are: We cannot easily

accept electronic data; We must deal in manual drawings; We have many copies of

similar drawings; We have multiple ECN levels; We have minimal CAD knowledge; We

must perform manual volume calculations.

Threats to Business:

If procedures are not taken in order to improve on the present company

weaknesses, there are bona fide threats which could potentially harm future

progress and business. Once the weakness in the company have been effaced, the

following threat to our business may be eliminated or greatly reduced. The

immediate threats are: Suppliers may assume the design role; Competitors able to

accept electronic input; No business with new products; Deterioration of

communications; Lost productivity Process Description: As in most large

corporations, our process generally follows a standard order of operations.

There are several departments or areas which have functions. Based on the

function of a department or area, a focus area is established and followed.

Department/Area Function Focus Area

Customer

Designs seat

Product Engineering

Designs tool to manufacture seat

Supplier

Builds tools and supplies components needed to manufacture and construct seat

Product Evaluation & Costing

Costs seat based on foam and components used, manufacturing costs and assembly

Purchasing

Locates seat component suppliers and oversees development and manufacture of

components

Plant

Manufactures and assembles seat

Quality Control

Ensures that products meet our own and customer standards

Sales / Marketing

Processes orders and manages overall customer relationships

New System Requirements CAD System Requirements:

The CAD system which is chosen must be capable of performing several specific

tasks. In order for a new system to be of any use to the company and an aid to

its advancement, it must present an improvement in various areas. Some of the