Keeping track of things like part designs, numbers and names is a key element of manufacturing, but what about the processes that connect them all? Process Development Models help eliminate errors within the processes themselves, enabling continuous improvement and cross-department transparency. In our ninth instalment of the 'PLM Essentials' series, we cover the effective use of Process Development Models and their implementation.
You may also be interested in the previous installments of our PLM Essentials series: Part 1 – Part Numbering Systems, Part 2 – Attributes, Part 3 – Part Nomenclature, Part 4 – BoM Setup, Part 5 – Engineering Structures, Part 6 – Engineering Change Management, Part 7 – Engineering Drawings and Part 8 – Configuration Management.
What is a Process Development Model?
A Process Development Model is, essentially, a simplified outline of all the processes involved in the development of a product. Intended to enable continuous improvement and tailored to the environment or problem at hand, Process Development Models focus on, but are not limited to:
- Part numbering
- Part naming
- Attributes of parts and Bill of Materials
- Bill of Material setup
- Engineering structure
- Engineering drawings
- Engineering change management
- Configuration management
Implementation of a Process Development Model
Implementing new processes at the wrong time, incompletely or without prior training can severely limit the effectiveness of the change. To avoid creating greater challenges with a new process, planning and clear communication and fundamental. Process Development Models are ideally aligned with these seven principles of process development:
- Fast, lean processes with minimal risk of bottlenecks, obstructions or errors
- Quick responses to all types of change (assembly, service and design-led)
- Strong visibility and management of cost, weight, service and assembly
- Low administration burden
- 100% data accuracy
- Measurably process performance
- Driven continuous improvement
If you would like to learn more about Process Development Models, take a look at our 9th instalment of the 'PLM Essentials' series:
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