An integration methodology for automated recurring cost prediction using digital manufacturing technology

Abstract

The need to account for the effect of design decisions on manufacture and the impact of manufacturing cost on the life cycle cost of any product are well established. In this context, digital design and manufacturing solutions have to be further developed to facilitate and automate the integration of cost as one of the major driver in the product life cycle management. This article is to present an integration methodology for implementing cost estimation capability within a digital manufacturing environment. A digital manufacturing structure of knowledge databases are set out and the ontology of assembly and part costing that is consistent with the structure is provided. Although the methodology is currently used for recurring cost prediction, it can be well applied to other functional developments, such as process planning. A prototype tool is developed to integrate both assembly time cost and parts manufacturing costs within the same digital environment. An industrial example is used to validate this approach.

Keywords:

• cost
• manufacturing
• digital
• integration
• knowledge

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the help and guidance ofPaul Smith, Gerry McGrattan, Donna McAleenan of Bombardier Belfast, Tom Edgar, Colm Higgins and Rory Collins of the Northern Ireland Technology Centre, William McEwan and Joseph Butterfield in School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Queen's University, and Jason Jones and Simon Allsop of DELMIA, UK, without whom this work would not have been possible.