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Concurrent Engineering needs both: a series of measurement criteria that are distinct to each process, and a set of metrics to check (and validate) the outcome when two or more of the processes are overlapped or required to be executed in parallel. Since product realization involves concurrent processes that occur across multiple disciplines and organizations, appropriate metrics and the methods of qualifying them are essential. The paper describes these life-cycle measures and metrics and how those could be used for gaining operational excellence.

Most commercial CAD programs are equipped with a user-interface (such as pull-down window-based menu) and a graphics-based set of geometry creation utilities (to draw line, arcs, surfaces, etc.). They are quite useful for mathematically representing the 3-D geometry in solid format and to draw various 2-D views. Most users find such interactive capabilities convenient to create the geometry when designs are distinct from each other. Though, the interactive process of geometry creation is far better than keying data manually. The process is still quite laborious when multiple studies have to be conducted -- each differing only in a small aspect of the total geometry definition. Most studies are directed towards using some type of analysis or simulation to predict changes in design parameters that drives the resultant design geometry. This process is very similar to design modification, remodeling or design automation.

The emergence of metal forming simulation tools provides an excellent opportunity for forming engineers to analyze an existing or proposed design without having to experience the long and costly lead times associated with the traditional build and test process. Furthermore, this added flexibility allows the engineer to compare several different designs and select one based on some strategic criteria rather than simply selecting the first design that appears to meet the functional requirements of the part. This paper presents a study in which three different tool designs for a common automobile component are analyzed using metal forming simulation. Specific pre and post processing methods were developed to select the best design based on a specific design criteria. The results of the analysis and a discussion of future trends in metal forming simulation are presented.