Product design change propagation in automotive supply chain considering product life cycle

Abstract

Changes in a product are necessary to guarantee high quality product and to remain competitive in the market. Engineering Change Management process ensures planning and implementation of changes effectively. Product design changes may be required in each step of product life cycle from its design to decline phase. Different tools are developed to study change propagation impact. Product architecture and change propagation path selection are the main focus areas found in methodologies developed for change management in recent years. Still, the manufacturing industry is facing challenges to control changes in implementation phase. A case study is conducted in an automotive company to understand perceived effect of product design change in manufacturing environment. Results of case study draws attention towards concerns reported, starting from raw material planning to disposition of changed part and the need for prediction of change in implementation phase across the functions, as well as in complete supply chain of automotive industry. Change propagation tools can be, if needed, extended from design phase to manufacturing environment.