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The need for automotive OEMs to manage product complexities and tough time to market in a competitive global industry mandates systems-driven product development process, which combines systems engineering methodology across all development domains with an integrated definition of the product. Businesses unable to adapt quickly lose mind share as well as market share. It is critical to the success of an automotive OEM to apply a consistent process framework based on systems engineering to capture, manage and organize information and knowledge, beginning with the voice of the customer, and continuing through product development, service, support and end-of-life. Systems engineering is important because it effectively nourishes an initial idea into a full system description, with all necessary elements integrated to form a complete product.

In the new product design, meeting customer requirements, process alignment, timely execution and successful implementation plays a critical role. Six sigma methodology is a disciplined, standardized methodology supported by analytical tools to meet the quality and functional targets. An engine cradle or sub-frame is the principal load carrying member in a monocoque vehicle construction. It is extensively used to (i) provide structural support and retention of power train, suspension control arms, stabilizer bar, and steering rack mounting features (ii) to isolate the high frequency vibrations of engine and suspension from the remaining structures (iii) to absorb and transmit the impact forces during frontal crash. This paper attempts to explain (i) the various DFSS-DMADV techniques used during the engine cradle design and development (ii) correlation between the cradle stiffness simulation and test measurement values (iii) cradle NVH test results.