Engineering Change Management Method Framework in Mechanical Engineering

[摘要] Engineering changes make an impact on different process chains in and outside the company, and lead to most error costs and time shifts. In fact, 30 to 50 per cent of development costs result from technical changes. Controlling engineering change processes can help us to avoid errors and risks, and contribute to cost optimization and a shorter time to market. This paper presents a method framework for controlling engineering changes at mechanical engineering companies. The developed classification of engineering changes and accordingly process requirements build the basis for the method framework. The developed method framework comprises two main areas: special data objects managed in different engineering IT tools and process framework. Objects from both areas are building blocks that can be selected to the overall business process based on the engineering process type and change classification. The process framework contains steps for the creation of change objects (both for overall change and for parts), change implementation, and release. Companies can select singleprocess building blocks from the framework, depending on the product development process and change impact. The developed change framework has been implemented at a division (10,000 employees) of a big German mechanical engineering company.

[发布机构] Engineering Design and CAD/CAE, Cologne University of Applied Sciences, Betzdorfer Str. 2, Cologne; 50679, Germany^1

[效力级别] 无线电电子学

[关键词] Cost optimization;Development costs;Engineering change managements;Engineering change process;Engineering changes;Engineering process;Process requirements;Product development process