Reducing throughput time during product design

Abstract

This paper describes an approach that can reduce throughput 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 throughput time. 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 throughput time of a new product. This approach gives feedback that can be used to eliminate throughput time problems. This paper focuses on products that are produced in one facility and presents an example that illustrates the approach.