articles+ search results

Algorithms, Industrial efficiency, Problem solving, Production (Economic theory), Simulation methods & models, Prototypes, User interfaces, Surface roughness, Sintering, Surfaces (Technology), Sinter (Metallurgy), and Case studies

In the present work an attempt has been made to achieve minimum average part surface roughness (best overall surface quality), minimum build time and support structure for stereolithography (SL) and selective laser sintering (SLS) processed parts by determining optimum part deposition orientation. A conventional optimisation algorithm based on a trust region method (available with MATLAB-7 optimisation tool box) has been used to solve the multi-objective optimisation problem. It is observed that the problem is highly multi-modal in nature and a suitable initial guess, which is used as an input to execute the optimisation module, is important to achieve a global optimum. A simple methodology has been proposed to find out the initial guess so that global minimum is obtained. Finally the surface roughness simulation is carried out with optimum part deposition orientation to have an idea of surface roughness variation over the entire part's surface before depositing the part. Case studies are presented to demonstrate the capabilities of the developed system. The major achievements of this work are consideration of multiple objectives for the two rapid prototyping processes, successful use of conventional optimisation algorithm available with MATLAB to handle multiple objectives and development of graphical user interface-based system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industry 4.0, Rapid prototyping, Originality, Direct instruction, and Case studies

Goal / Purpose: Universities are increasingly investing in makerspaces. These learning spaces are presented as a place where students can share their projects, can innovate using rapid prototyping equipment, use low and high technology that serves as a starting point for students to launch start-ups, get advice on how to place a product in the market, and relate to potential lenders. This paper aims to discuss whether companies can benefit from these projects and whether skills for engineers can be developed in this environment. The paper provides insightful perceptions of the actions developed by one emergent university to develop innovative methodologies to support industry and students, to provide potential partnerships that fund projects in order to better prepare professionals for the industry 4.0. Design / Methodology / Approach: A discussion of the subject was carried out based on the existing literature and an exploratory study in an existing makerspace in the Netherlands. It was one qualitative research based on a case study. Field observation and research questions were based on the technical skills of engineering described in theory. Results: This article presented the idea that the makerspaces can be a great source of innovation if they are appropriately designed. The connection between universities and companies, aligned to active methodologies for teaching and learning meets a global need within a corporate universe to get faster and simpler and make the team see the project in a more holistic and complete manner. However, the goal is to bridge the gap with professors, researchers, makers, start-ups, and companies who want to use business-to-business practices. It can be said that these are beneficial characteristics of a makerspace observed: (i) students’ learning is more active, (ii) more interaction between students and professors, through different areas (iii) at an early stage, students get in contact with the professional reality of their field, as the projects are related to real Engineering problems, and (iv) students develop transversal skills. Practical implications: This paper identifies the potential that Makerspaces offer as a strategic approach to teaching and learning related to the fourth industrial era. This paper implies that universities and academics that wish to tailor their education to industry 4.0 need understand this model better, and where appropriate invest in educational infrastructures such as this in universities, companies or cities. This will ensure that universities are educating professionals with the most suitable skills for industry and society, generating innovation in creative teaching and learning spaces. Research Limitations: The study is limited to one empirical research, analysis, and observation of a case study that can serve as a basis for future studies in other locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New product development, Prototypes, Engineering design, Case studies, and Window blinds

This paper presents a case study of the design development of a new product, electrostatically actuated window blinds. The text presents a description of each stage in the prototype development followed by a discussion of different prototyping methods and design for manufacture and assembly issues. Results from electromechanical and thermal analyses of the product itself are also included. This case study determined that, for this product development, the most efficient, cost-effective prototyping solution was simple plastic injection moulding. It also concluded that following good design for manufacture and assembly practices during prototype construction will save time and money when transitioning to a production design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer software developers, Product life cycle, Marketing, and Case studies

Prototyping, a technique often employed by software developers, has been primarily used for usability studies. We discuss in this paper, through case studies, our experience in the use of prototyping during various phases of the product life cycle, including planning, testing, marketing, and field support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prototypes, Algorithms, Industrial design, Field programmable gate arrays -- Design & construction, Systems on a chip, Case studies, and Experiments

Escalating system-on-chip design complexity is pushing the design community to raise the level of abstraction beyond register transfer level. Despite the unsuccessful adoptions of early generations of commercial high-level synthesis (HLS) systems, we believe that the tipping point for transitioning to HLS methodology is happening now, especially for field-programmable gate array (FPGA) designs. The latest generation of HLS tools has made significant progress in providing wide language coverage and robust compilation technology, platform-based modeling, advancement in core HLS algorithms, and a domain-specific approach. In this paper, we use AutoESL's AutoPilot HLS tool coupled with domain-specific system-level implementation platforms developed by Xilinx as an example to demonstrate the effectiveness of state-of-art C-to-FPGA synthesis solutions targeting multiple application domains. Complex industrial designs targeting Xilinx FPGAs are also presented as case studies, including comparison of HLS solutions versus optimized manual designs. In particular, the experiment on a sphere decoder shows that the HLS solution can achieve an 11–31% reduction in FPGA resource usage with improved design productivity compared to hand-coded design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid prototyping, Product design, Technological innovations & economics, Management science research, Distributors (Commerce), Management, Strategic planning, Manufactured products, Supply chains, Suppliers, Original equipment manufacturers, Manufacturing process management, and Case studies

Existing studies of supplier involvement in new product development have mainly focused on project-related short-term processes and success factors. This study validates and extends an existing exploratory framework, which comprises both long-term strategic processes and short-term operational processes that are related to supplier involvement. The empirical validation is based on a multiple-case study of supplier collaborations at a manufacturer in the copier and printer industry. The analysis of eight cases of supplier involvement reveals that the results of supplier–manufacturer collaborations and the associated issues and problems can best be explained by the patterns in the extent to which the manufacturer manages supplier involvement in the short term and the long term. The results of this study reveal that the initial framework is helpful in understanding why certain collaborations are not effectively managed yet conclude that the existing analytical distinction among four different management areas does not sufficiently reflect empirical reality. This leads to the reconceptualization and further detailing of the framework. Instead of four managerial areas, this study proposes to distinguish between the strategic management arena and the operational management arena. The strategic management arena contains processes that together provide long-term, strategic direction and operational support for project teams adopting supplier involvement. These processes also contribute to building up a supplier base that can meet current and future technology and capability needs. The operational management arena contains processes that are aimed at planning, managing, and evaluating the actual collaborations in a specific development project. The results of this study suggest that success of involving suppliers in product development is reflected by the firm's ability to capture both short- and long-term benefits. If companies spend most of their time on operational management in development projects, they will fail to use the leverage effect of planning and preparing such involvement through strategic management activities. Also, they will not be sufficiently able to capture possible long-term technology and learning benefits that may spin off from individual projects. Long-term collaboration benefits can only be captured if a company can build long-term relationships with key suppliers, with which it builds learning routines and ensures that the capability sets of both parties are aligned and remain useful for future joint projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineering services, Customer services, New product development, and Case studies

This paper highlights the implementation of Lean in a non-manufacturing setup, viz., in an engineering service industry involved in designing, analysis and prototyping of the parts. Even though Lean has been predominantly used in a manufacturing scenario, the present study draws a comparison and shows that it blends itself equally well in the non-manufacturing scenario also, resulting in similar benefits like cycle time reduction, cost savings, productivity improvement, efficiency improvement, etc. This study, in the form of a case analysis, gives a snapshot of the improvements realized through Lean implementation in one of the sub-processes, viz., 'generation of 3D models and manufacturing drawings', which is a part of the new product development lifecycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prototypes, Manufacturing processes, Product design, Industrial design, Manufactured products, Technology, and Case studies

Current research by the developers of rapid prototyping systems is generally focused on improvements in cost, speed and materials to create truly economic and practical economic rapid manufacturing (RM) machines. In addition to being potentially smarter/faster/cheaper replacements for existing manufacturing technologies, the next generation of these machines will provide opportunities not only for the design and fabrication of products without traditional constraints but also for organizing manufacturing activities in new, innovative and previously undreamt of ways. This paper outlines a novel devolved manufacturing (DM) ‘factory-less’ approach to e-manufacturing, which integrates mass customization (MC) concepts, RM technologies and the communication opportunities of the Internet/World Wide Web, describes two case studies of different DM implementations and discusses the limitations and appropriateness of each, and, finally, draws some conclusions about the technical, manufacturing and business challenges involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decision making, Data analysis, Prototypes, Model validation, Case studies, and Informations (Criminal procedure)

Effective information requirements analysis (IRA) is critical for the success of application systems. Literature has mainly defined the contingencies under which specific IRA methods are most effective for determining the content of information. This paper shows how IRA methods can supplement each other, instead of being viewed as alternatives. A process for combining IRA methods is developed. Resolving differences between Decision Analysis and Data Analysis by developing different kinds of Prototypes is presented as an integrated framework of IRA. Case studies illustrating this approach are included. The paper extends research in two areas: IRA and Prototyping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marketing, Relationship marketing, Marketing management, Information technology, Marketing strategy, Consumer behavior, Customer relations, Brand choice, Business success, Customer retention, Customer satisfaction, Consumer attitudes, and Management

The importance of effective customer relationships as a key to customer value and hence shareholder value is widely emphasised. In order to enhance these relationships, the application of IT to marketing through customer relationship management (CRM) software, e-commerce and other initiatives is growing rapidly. This study examines the factors that influence the successful deployment of CRM applications, with particular emphasis on those factors which are distinct from other areas of application. Using the analytic induction method, success factors were derived from five in-depth case studies. Resulting factors underemphasised in previous literature include: the need for project approval procedures which allow for uncertainty; the need to leverage models of best practice; the importance of prototyping new processes, not just IT; and the need to manage for the delivery of the intended benefits, rather than just implementing the original specification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial costs, New product development, Customization, Medicine, Methodology, Centrifugal pumps, and Case studies

The aim of this study is to apply and validate a general-purpose working methodology, derived from the analysis of processes which come from two different domains (the field of medicine and the preservation of cultural heritage), in the investment casting process. CSCW methods and tools have proven to be the best ‘gluing tool’ to bond the different activities, and thus heavily exploited during the customization of the general-purpose working methodology. This paper describes a case study performed in an industrial sector and related to the investment casting application field. It was chosen to test methodology and to demonstrate its wide applicability. The case study involved the realization of a centrifugal pump impeller, where the application of this CSCW-based methodology has delivered important results such as the reduction of product development time and the drastic reduction of production costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Design thinking, Corporate culture, Business models, Case studies, and Spine

Purpose: This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach: This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings: This paper concentrates on promoting the merits of incorporating a five-zone design thinking approach into an organization's wider culture so that this can be used to evolve through challenges with a nimbler mind-set, which is open to a broader field of opportunity. Genuinely involving employees, consumers, and partners in innovation exploration can produce unexpected creative ideas that may transform a company's business model. Originality/value: The briefing saves busy executives, strategists, and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automobiles, Customer satisfaction, Ergonomics, Interviewing, Questionnaires, Research funding, Signs & symbols, Anthropometry, Computer simulation, Graphic arts, Research methodology, Case studies, Readability (Literary style), Surveys, and Visual fields

This work proposes a design methodology using ergonomics and anthropometry concepts applied to traffic sign and street name sign projects. Initially, a literature revision on cognitive ergonomics and anthropometry is performed. Several authors and their design methodologies are analyzed and the aspects to be considered in projects of traffic and street name signs are selected and other specific aspects are proposed for the design methodology. A case study of the signs of 'Street of Antiques' in Porto Alegre city is presented. To do that, interviews with the population are made to evaluate the current situation of signs. After that, a new sign proposal with virtual prototyping is done using the developed methodology. The results obtained with new interviews about the proposal show the user satisfaction and the importance of cognitive ergonomics to development of this type of urban furniture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strategic alliances (Business), Technological innovations, New product development, Product management, Prototypes, Time to market (New products), Area specialists, Transactive model (Communication), and Case studies

There is wide agreement in analyses of strategic alliances that, regardless of the purpose of the alliance, members of the partner organizations should engage in intensive mutual learning to make the alliance a success. In contrast to this view, the present article shows that in strategic alliances aimed at product innovations by recombining partners' extant technologies, learning between specialists can be reduced considerably without jeopardizing success. This is made possible through four interconnected mechanisms integrated into the concept of transactive organizational learning (TOL): (1) modularization, which allows specialists of different domains to develop modules to a large extent independently of each other and to concentrate communication between themselves on the design of interfaces between modules; (2) storing of knowledge in artifacts instead of in organizational members' memories; (3) localization of knowledge not present in the project team but for which a need has arisen through transactive memory; and (4) knowledge integration by prototyping (i.e., by repeated testing of modules and of interactions between modules until a satisfactorily working end product is achieved). Although these four mechanisms reduce the need for cross-learning between specialists of different domains, some common knowledge and some cross-learning between the partners' specialists is still required. Case studies on four of SAP's strategic alliances for product innovation with different partners lend empirical support to this study's concept. The article concludes with implications for practice: Companies should find out whether the TOL mechanisms that reduce time to market are present, to what extent their potential is exploited, and how well they work together. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New product development, Product management, Marketing management, Commercial products, Time to market (New products), Rapid prototyping, Business incubators, Concurrent engineering, Inventions, Manufacturing processes, Industrial design, Marketing, and Case studies

The traditional view of the process of new product development (NPD), which is often prescribed as a series of activity "stages", is critically reviewed. A number of problems are identified with this and other approaches to NPD as accurate representations of the process, such as their concentration on intra-firm aspects and their ordered and sequential structure. The paper argues for an alternative approach, based on variable "blocks of NPD activities, which also takes account of external organizations' involvement in the process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computer software, Information technology, Instructional systems, Reasoning, Software architecture, and Case studies

The maintenance of large information systems involves continuous modifications in response to evolving business conditions or changing user requirements. Based on evidence from a case study, we show that the systems maintenance activity would benefit greatly if the process knowledge reflecting the teleology of a design could be captured and used in order to reason about the consequences of changing conditions or requirements. We describe a formalism called REMAP (REpresentation and MAintenance of Process knowledge) that accumulates design process knowledge to manage systems evolution. To accomplish this, REMAP acquires and maintains dependencies among the design decisions made during a prototyping process, and is able to learn general domain-specific design rules on which such dependencies are based. This knowledge cannot only be applied to prototype refinement and systems maintenance, but can also support the reuse of existing design or software fragments to construct similar ones using analogical reasoning techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]