Question
What is concurrent engineering in contrast with traditional development?
Answer
Concurrent engineering (CE) is a systematic approach to product development that emphasizes the simultaneous design of products and their related processes, contrasting with the traditional sequential development method. This approach integrates various stages of product development to reduce time-to-market and improve product quality and cost efficiency.
Key Differences Between Concurrent Engineering and Traditional Development
Integration vs. Sequence: Concurrent engineering involves the parallel execution of design and development tasks, allowing for simultaneous consideration of product features, manufacturing requirements, and customer demands. In contrast, traditional development follows a sequential process where each stage must be completed before the next begins (Xu et al., 2007; Sprague, Singh and Wood, 1991; Jagani et al., 2021).
Information Flow: CE promotes early and continuous information sharing among all functions involved in a product’s life cycle, which helps manage complexity and reduce development time. Traditional methods often rely on a document-oriented, sequential information flow, which can lead to inefficiencies and delays (Sprague, Singh and Wood, 1991; Eversheim et al., 1997).
Risk and Iteration Management: CE uses risk and decision analysis to manage task iterations and redesigns, optimizing execution strategies to minimize development cycle time. Traditional methods may not effectively address these risks, potentially leading to longer development times (Yassine, Chelst and Falkenburg, 1999; Eversheim et al., 1997).
Cross-Functional Teams: CE emphasizes cross-functional integration and collaboration, often involving program management, technical, and design-build teams to ensure cohesive development. Traditional methods may not utilize such integrated team structures, potentially limiting innovation and responsiveness (Swink, Sandvig and Mabert, 1996).
Application in Software and Hardware: While CE principles have been more successfully applied in hardware development, efforts are being made to adapt these principles to software engineering to reduce time-to-market and improve efficiency (Blackburn, Hoedemaker and Wassenhove, 1996; Feng et al., 1996).
Conclusion
Concurrent engineering offers a more integrated and efficient approach to product development compared to traditional sequential methods. By enabling simultaneous task execution and fostering cross-functional collaboration, CE reduces development time and enhances product quality and cost-effectiveness.
References
Xu, L., Li, Z., Li, S., & Tang, F., 2007. A decision support system for product design in concurrent engineering. Decis. Support Syst., 42, pp. 2029-2042. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dss.2004.11.007
Yassine, A., Chelst, K., & Falkenburg, D., 1999. A decision analytic framework for evaluating concurrent engineering. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 46, pp. 144-157. https://doi.org/10.1109/17.759142
Blackburn, J., Hoedemaker, G., & Wassenhove, L., 1996. Concurrent software engineering: prospects and pitfalls. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management, 43, pp. 179-188. https://doi.org/10.1109/17.509983
Swink, M., Sandvig, J., & Mabert, V., 1996. Customizing Concurrent Engineering Processes: Five Case Studies. Journal of Product Innovation Management, 13, pp. 229-244. https://doi.org/10.1111/1540-5885.1330229
Sprague, R., Singh, K., & Wood, R., 1991. Concurrent engineering in product development. IEEE Design & Test of Computers, 8, pp. 6-13. https://doi.org/10.1109/54.75658
Jagani, N., Mehta, J., Mehta, V., & Nanavati, P., 2021. CONCURRENT PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT IN SOFTWARE ENGINEERING: A LITERATURE REVIEW. International Journal of Engineering Applied Sciences and Technology. https://doi.org/10.33564/ijeast.2021.v05i11.025
Eversheim, W., Roggatz, A., Zimmermann, H., & Derichs, T., 1997. Information management for concurrent engineering. Eur. J. Oper. Res., 100, pp. 253-265. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0377-2217(96)00288-3
Feng, Z., Gaines, B., Tan, Q., & Zhou, M., 1996. Concurrent engineering tool in software development. 1996 IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man and Cybernetics. Information Intelligence and Systems (Cat. No.96CH35929), 3, pp. 1753-1757 vol.3. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICSMC.1996.565369
