Utilization of design for manufacturing (DFM) techniques

The authors report on the results of a survey to determine the extent of familiarity with and use of design for manufacturing tools and techniques in San Francisco Bay area firms. The survey determines whether companies have been more successful using some techniques than others. The primary benefits are considered to be higher quality, lower costs, and fewer engineering change orders. The problems preventing companies from doing a better job of using DFM tools are identified. Also discussed are differences in perception among design managers, design engineers, manufacturing managers, and manufacturing engineers with regard to the recognition of benefits and the effectiveness of their companies in using DFM techniques.<>