Product integration issues can damage customer creditability and be costly to resolve. Products should integrate with products which they are intended to connect. Components should integrate internally with other components within the same product. Internal integration issues can cause additional work during the execution of a product. Costs escalate if integration issues occur once the product is delivered.
By working differently, companies can eliminate integration issues. Component integration can add re-use and modular flexibility to a product. Reducing engineering effort and simplifying product maintenance.
Problems:
Sales are frustrated when required product features and options are not available in all sizes or models of the product. Whilst with additional cost, it may be possible to design these features or options. On occasions, it may not be possible to add these features or options without a significant redesign. Further design work adds delays which the customer may find difficult to accept, and costs which are not recoverable.
Solution:
Structure products in such a way that product features and options apply across the complete product range. A standardised product approach requires the proving of each interface during design. Regard products as a complete family and not standalone items.
Clear documentation should be available in the standard product library to clarify integration capabilities.
Advantages from different perspectives
Fewer bottlenecks requiring management attention
Increased customer satisfaction as customers receives products faster with fewer errors.
Eliminate engineering cost
Fewer bottlenecks requiring management attention
Increased customer satisfaction as customers receives products faster with fewer errors.
Eliminate engineering cost
Better cash-flow as delivery times shorter
Less risk, fewer processes and information transfers required
Fewer bottlenecks requiring management attention
Increased profitability with the reduction of cost and risk while improving productivity
Increased customer satisfaction as customers receives products faster with fewer errors.
Eliminate engineering cost
Increased profitability with the reduction of cost and risk, while improving productivity
Fewer bottlenecks requiring management attention
Increased customer satisfaction as customers receives products faster with fewer errors.
Fewer bottlenecks requiring management attention
Further help and assistance
Gatehouse Design are specialists in product standardisation, product configuration and design automation. We can help companies develop highly effective product strategies, maximising profitability, productivity and customer satisfaction. We can help you resolve product integration issues and improve the efficiency of your business. Please contact us to discuss any product design related issues that you may have.
Peter Slee-Smith founded Gatehouse Design in 2012, a Chartered Mechanical Engineer with more than 30 years experience in industrial design. Peter qualified with a Masters Degree and has held senior positions in many leading engineering and product manufacturing companies. He is passionate about product design efficiency and has written many articles on the subject. Based in Littleport just outside Ely in Cambridgeshire, Gatehouse Design specialises in product standardisation, configuration and design automation.
