Case Study of CAD-a Lean Engineering Tool- Impacting Human Efficiency in the Design Engineering Process

摘要

This case study examines the relationship between Computer-Aided Design (CAD), design engineering, and human efficiency as driving factors for the overall business effectiveness in product development. Information was gathered from managers and design engineers from The Boeing Company's Rotorcraft Division in Mesa. Their perceptions and experience were gathered in order to determine their satisfaction, and CAD effectiveness within the enterprise. Critical Success Factors (CSF) was determined as CAD is used within organizations. The qualitative theoretical basis for this case study is based on software application and its success within the design engineering community. It was analyzed as the core theory, and is based on determining CSF of Information Technology (IT) within several companies. CSF is defined as the limited number of areas in which results if they are satisfactory will ensure successful competitive performance for the organization. The Design for Assembly (DFA) software tool was used to aid in the design process. A case analysis is presented showing the value created by software while driving design engineering effectiveness. Additionally, this study reflects CAD importance as suggested within the Lean Product Development model (Skilled People, Tools & Technology and Process) as discussed by First Name? Morgan in the 2006book "The Toyota Product Development System." Conclusions are drawn from data gathered and DFA case analysis results. It was determined that CAD does have a positive influence in the design engineering process as well as in human effectiveness while allowing the enterprise to achieve higher cost effective levels.