Design and engineering project management system

What Is claimed is:

1. A design decision support system for managing the design and engineering of a product which includes a plurality of components, the system comprising:

a microprocessor;

program memory operably connected to the microprocessor;

data input means operably connected to the microprocessor;

at least one display operably connected to the microprocessor;

first logic employed by the microprocessor for identifying a plurality of product design objectives and simultaneously displaying each of the product design objectives;

second logic employed by the microprocessor for identifying one or more groups, with each group responsible for the design of a subset of one or more of the components, identifying a plurality of group design objectives relating to each of the identified groups, and simultaneously displaying each of the groups and their respective objectives;

third logic employed by the microprocessor for monitoring the performance of each group during the project by measuring progress toward the stated design objectives and simultaneously displaying graphical indicia of the progress toward a selected plurality of the design objectives.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein the product design objectives are displayed in a product objectives window which simultaneously lists each of the objectives, quantitative targets corresponding to each of the objectives, and graphic indicia of the progress toward reaching the objectives.

3. The invention of claim 1 wherein display of the group design objectives includes a plurality of group design objectives windows, each including a list of the product design objectives, the quantitative targets for that group relating to those product design objectives, and graphic indicia of the status of that group's progress toward reaching its targets.

4. The invention of claim 1 further including fourth logic for identifying a plurality of alternative design strategies for achieving selected group objectives and simultaneously displaying the alternative design strategies.

5. The invention of claim 4 wherein the display of each of the strategies includes an alternative build strategies window including graphic indicia of each of the strategies.

6. The invention of claim 4 further including fifth logic for evaluating the strategies based upon predefined factors and simultaneously displaying selected evaluation factors for each of the alternative design strategies.

7. The invention of claim 6 including logic for generating a build strategies evaluation window having unique graphic indicia corresponding to each of a plurality of displayed alternative build strategies and, for each of the displayed strategies, including graphic indicia relating to the evaluation of at least one of the objectives, whereby the alternative build strategies can be compared.

8. The invention of claim 1 wherein the second logic includes logic for displaying selected components from a selected assembly of components in a component window including graphic indicia of the selected components in the assembly and, associated with each of the graphic indicia, a sub-window identifying the component design objectives associated with that component.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the product design objectives include business objectives, technical objectives, or timing objectives, or any combination thereof.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein the business objectives include variable costs, investment costs, assembly processing and tooling costs and manufacturing processing and tooling costs, or assembly hours, or any combination thereof.

11. The system of claim 9 wherein the product is a vehicle and the technical objectives include total vehicle mass, fuel economy, noise level, reliability, quality, or serviceability, or any combination thereof.

12. The system of claim 1 wherein the group design objectives include business objectives, technical objectives, or timing objectives, or any combination thereof.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein the business objectives include variable costs, investment costs, assembly processing and tooling costs and manufacturing processing and tooling costs, or assembly hours, or any combination thereof.

14. The system of claim 12 wherein the product is a vehicle and the technical objectives include mass, fuel economy, noise level, reliability, quality, or serviceability, or any combination thereof.

15. The system of claim 1 wherein the third logic includes logic for providing an interface matrix window with graphic indicia of the degree of interrelationship between the objectives of selected groups.

16. The system of claim 1 wherein the graphical indicia of the progress towards a selected plurality of the design objectives is color.

17. The system of claim 1 further including a plurality of displays, wherein the first logic includes logic for displaying each of the product design objectives at least one of the plurality of displays, the second logic includes logic for displaying group design objectives for one of the plurality of groups on at least another one of the plurality of displays.

18. A design and engineering project decision support system comprising:

a microprocessor;

memory operably connected to the microprocessor;

one or more displays operably connected to the microprocessor;

data input means operably connected to the microprocessor;

first logic employed by the microprocessor for identifying a plurality of project design objectives and simultaneously displaying each of the design objectives;

second logic employed by the microprocessor for identifying alternative strategies for achieving the design objectives and simultaneously displaying each of the alternative strategies;

third logic employed by the microprocessor for evaluating the alternative strategies based upon predefined factors and simultaneously displaying the evaluation factors and results for each strategy; and

fourth logic employed by the microprocessor for selecting the optimal strategy for achieving the design objectives and displaying the optimal strategy.

19. A decision support system for managing the design of a product incorporating a plurality of components by one or more groups, each group being responsible for the design of a subset of the components, the system comprising:

a microprocessor;

memory operably connected to the microprocessor;

one or more displays operably connected to the microprocessor;

first logic for identifying project design objectives and means for displaying each of the objectives;

second logic for identifying a plurality of group design objectives for each group, each set of group design objectives relating to the components associated with the group, and means for displaying each of these sets of group design objectives;

third logic for identifying alternative strategies for achieving the group design objectives, and means for simultaneously displaying each of the strategies;

fourth logic for evaluating the strategies based upon predefined factors, and means for simultaneously displaying the factors for each strategy; and

fifth logic for selecting the strategy for each group which is optimal in achieving the product design objectives, and means for displaying each of the strategies selected.

20. In an automotive vehicle design and engineering project having a group responsible for the overall project, and a plurality of systems groups, each responsible for design and engineering of a predefined portion of the vehicle, a design and engineering project management system, the system comprising:

a microprocessor;

program memory operably connected to the microprocessor;

at least one display operably connected to the microprocessor;

first means for identifying a plurality of overall vehicle design and engineering objectives and simultaneously displaying each of the vehicle objectives;

second means for identifying a plurality of system design objectives relating to each of the systems groups and simultaneously displaying each of system design objectives for a selected systems group;

third means for identifying alternative strategies for achieving the system design objectives and simultaneously displaying the alternative strategies for a selected systems group;

fourth means for evaluating the alternative strategies based upon predefined factors and simultaneously displaying the strategies, the predefined factors, and the results of the evaluations in graphical form; and

fifth means for selecting the strategy for each systems group which is optimal in achieving the vehicle design objectives and displaying each of the strategies selected.

Description Submit all comments and votes

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to design and engineering project management systems and, more particularly, to a computerized system for the integrated planning and implementation of a multi-component product design and engineering project.

BACKGROUND ART

The design and engineering of a multi-component product, such as an automobile, typically involves the simultaneous product development activities of many, often technically diverse, business groups. Such projects are often marked by failure to meet various project objectives, such as production costs and time schedules, and may result in the design of components which are incompatible with the overall product.

Several factors contribute to the failure to meet overall product design and production objectives in a multi-component product manufacturing project. A product design and engineering project for complex products such as an automobile is typically subdivided among separate operating groups, often separate business entities, each of which has responsibility for one or more components (or subsystems) of the product. For example, one group may be responsible for the design and engineering of the powertrain components of a vehicle, another group for the electrical system, another group the body structure, another for the interior, another for the exterior, another group for the chassis, etc.

While some overall vehicle, subsystem, and component objectives may be established at the onset of the project, each of the groups often completes the design and/or engineering of their subsystem by changing or sacrificing one or more of their objectives, or changing the design or process of production for their subsystem, without communicating the changes to the other groups or to those responsible for the completed product. While these changes may be acceptable to the group responsible for the particular subsystem, the effect of these changes on other related subsystems, and a cumulative impact of changes on the overall product is often not appreciated or considered until late in the project.

Variation in the objectives and/or strategies of a particular group during the project may also affect the ability of another group to reach its objectives. For example, a slight, but non-critical change in the design of a sidewall trim component might be implemented without jeopardizing any of the objectives for that component. However, that change may create a fatal incompatibility with the instrument panel component of the same vehicle. Thus, the failure to timely communicate changes in design and/or implementation by the individual groups can have a ripple affect on the other groups which, if discovered too late in the project, can contribute to the failure of one or more of the groups in meeting their objectives.

Similarly, while a cost overrun, an increase in component weight, or a subtle change in design of a particular component may result in a particular group meeting the majority of their stated objectives within an acceptable variance, the cumulative affect of these variances may result in an unexpected failure to meet overall vehicle objectives. For example, each group might meet all of its objectives except for cost, resulting in an unacceptable overrun on the entire project. Alternatively, if enough groups exceed their weight objectives, though by a relatively small amount, the cumulative affect may be a vehicle that is significantly, and unacceptably, overweight.

These problems, inherent in the production of a multi-component product, underscore a need for clearly defined system and component objectives that meet the overall vehicle definition at the onset.

There is also a need to identify the diverse but interrelated interests and goals of each of the separate operating groups and/or business entities involved in the project.

There is also a need to monitor and assess performance in relation to each group's stated objectives during the project.

There is also a need for facilitating communication between the separate groups at all times during the project so the impact of changes in one group's strategy and/or objectives on any other group can be identified early in the process.

There is also a need for communication by each of the groups to the overall product management level of variances in the objectives and/or strategies implemented by the groups, so that the impact of such variations on the overall product can be quickly identified and assessed.

Finally, there is a need for a comprehensive integrated management system which identifies and tracks overall and individual group objectives and strategies for meeting those objectives, and which evaluates each group's progress, and the effects of that progress and/or any variances in the group's strategies or objectives on the other groups, and on the overall project, on an ongoing basis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to provide a design and engineering project planning and management system which ensures an integrated and coordinated implementation of a multi-component design and engineering project.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for integrated planning and implementation of a multi-component design and engineering project which identifies a clearly defined overall product definition and objectives.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a multi-component project management system which identifies clearly defined objectives for each of the subsystems and components of the overall product.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a project management system which identifies one or more strategies which may be implemented to achieve the objectives identified for each subsystem and/or component of the overall product.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a project management system which provides ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the performance of each of the groups responsible for subsystems and/or components so that potential problem areas can be quickly identified and avoided.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a project management system having a user interface which provides quick and easy access to project evaluations and project data at varying levels of detail for the entire vehicle, the individual vehicle systems, subsystems, and components.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a project management system which identifies the interrelation of one subsystem and/or component to the other and which quickly communicates changes of one group's project objectives and/or strategies to affected groups to minimize any problems created thereby.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a project management system which provides a standardized process for simultaneous product development by each of the groups responsible for development of one or more subsystems and/or components of that product.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a project management system which integrates diverse interests and groups into a comprehensive system design and implementation program to yield a finished product which satisfies the overall product objectives and meets the product definition.

According to the present invention, a system for planning and managing a multi-component product design and engineering project is provided. The system includes a computer having a microprocessor, program memory, data storage memory, one or more displays, logic for identifying overall product objectives and means for displaying each of the objectives, logic for identifying group objectives relating to each of one or more subsystems or components of the overall product, and means for displaying each of these group objectives, logic for identifying one or more strategies for achieving the group objectives, and means for displaying each of the strategies, logic for monitoring the performance of each group during the project by measuring progress toward that group's stated objectives, and means for displaying a graphical indication of each group's progress toward its objectives.

The system of the present invention also preferably includes logic for evaluating the alternative strategies defined for a group and comparing the current progress of the alternative strategy towards the stated objectives with the current progress of the chosen strategy, and means for displaying a graphical indication of the current status of each of the competing alternative strategies for a group.

The system of the present invention also preferably includes logic for tracking those components or factors in one group's strategy which affect another group's strategy, and communicating any variance in the status of each group's objectives to other groups affected by such variances. This system also preferably includes logic for weighing each of the predefined factors for each strategy on an ongoing basis and determining when an alternative strategy is preferable, and means for graphically indicating the new optimal strategy for each group necessitated by that group or another group's changing objectives during the project implementation.

The above objects and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best mode for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the information flow in a typical organizational structure for a design/engineering project using the project management system of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a more detailed organizational structure for a typical design/engineering project;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the project management system of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a vehicle objectives window;

FIG. 5 is a system objectives window;

FIG. 6 is a component objectives window;

FIG. 7 is an alternative component display;

FIG. 8 is a system build strategies window;

FIG. 9 is a subsystem build strategies evaluation window;

FIG. 10 is a system interface/integration objectives window;

FIG. 11 is a subsystem assembly interface window;

FIG. 12 is a components interface detail window;

FIG. 13 is a system interface/matrix;

FIG. 14 is a vehicle summary window;

FIG. 15 is a chassis system summary window;

FIG. 16 is a HVAC system summary window;

FIG. 17 is a powertrain system summary window;

FIG. 18 is an interior system summary window;

FIG. 19 is an exterior system summary window;

FIG. 20 is an electrical system summary window;

FIG. 21 is a body-in-white system summary window;

FIG. 22 is a system variable costs detail window;

FIG. 23 is a system investment detail window;

FIG. 24 is a system timing window;

FIG. 25 is a system mass detail window;

FIG. 26 is an example of graphical data illustrating projected variable costs for the body-in white group for a selected period of the project;

FIG. 27 is an assembly process window;

FIG. 28 is an objectives status sub-window;

FIG. 29 is a supplier selection window;

FIG. 30 is an alternative vehicle summary window;

FIG. 31 is another alternative embodiment of a vehicle summary window;

FIG. 32 is a multi-display embodiment of the present invention showing a plurality of system windows;

FIG. 33 is a multi-display embodiment of the present invention showing subsystem windows; and

FIG. 34 is a multi-display embodiment of the present invention showing component windows.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, the project management system of the present invention is a computer-based project information management tool useful in the design and engineering of multi-component products, such as automotive vehicles. The structure of an organization involved in the design and engineering of a multi-component product, such as a vehicle, is characterized by separate groups or teams, often from different disciplines, and with responsibilities ranging from the design and engineering of the entire vehicle to the design and engineering of a single one of its thousands of parts.

The management system of the present invention provides an environment in which the team responsible for the entire vehicle, the vehicle program team 40, as well as each of the vehicle system teams 42, subsystem teams 44, and component teams 46 can define, quantify, and prioritize vehicle, system, subsystem and component objectives, as well as monitor the status of each team's toward these objectives during the project in an integrated fashion.

The system of the present provides an interface which allows for the quick and easy access of project information, ranging from high level, total vehicle status information to details, such as current expected variable costs for particular components. This information is organized and presented by the system in such a manner that all project teams are able to obtain continual, integrated feedback of the progress of the project at all levels.

As shown in greater detail in FIG. 2, the management structure for a vehicle design/engineering program typically includes a vehicle program team 40 having members representing all of the diverse business and technical disciplines involved in the design, engineering, manufacturing, production and sale of the product. These program stake holders are preferably all involved in defining the project objective at the total vehicle level.

In the product example shown, the next layer of project management typically comprises a plurality of vehicle system groups 42, such as the powertrain, chassis, body structure and exterior, interior, and electrical groups. The next layer of the project organization which is typically integrated into the project management system are the subsystem groups 44, referred to as product development teams (PDT's). These groups have responsibility for system subassemblies within the different vehicle system teams 42. The next layer of organization typically comprises component teams 46 which are responsible for the design and engineering of the component assemblies which are integrated by the project development teams into the system subassemblies. Another lower level product management team, the component team 48, may have responsibility for the design and engineering of individual components.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, depending on the type and complexity of the product, a design and engineering project supported by the system of the present invention may have greater or fewer organizational sub-levels depending on the number and complexity of the components which make up the product. Regardless of the size of the organizational structure, the project management system of the present invention provides a tool for organizing a consistent, integrated, and objective product, subassembly, and component definition. In addition, the interface provided by the system allows for integrated monitoring and tracking during the execution of the project at all levels of the organization, thereby providing the opportunity for implementing and optimizing product strategy.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the project management system of the present invention, generally referred to as 50, includes a computer having one or more microprocessors 52, program memory 54, storage memory 56, program logic 58, at least one data input means such as a keyboard 60 and/or a mouse 62, and one or more displays 64, 66. The system includes logic for identifying overall project objectives and means for displaying each of these objectives, logic for identifying group object