Page 58 - DMGT501_OPERATIONS_MANAGEMENT

Operations Management

Notes very high and the actual value for the maximum reliability is usually dictated by technological
or financial constraints. In deciding on a value to use for the maximum achievable reliability,
the current state of the art of the component in question and other similar factors will have to be
considered. In the end, a realistic estimation based on engineering judgment and experience
will be necessary to assign a value to this input. One must note that the time associated with this
maximum achievable reliability is the same as that of the overall system reliability goal. Almost
any component can achieve a very high reliability value, provided the mission time is short
enough.

2.14 Computer-aided Design (CAD)

Computer-aided Design (CAD), also known as Computer-aided Drafting, is the use of computer
software and systems to design and create 2D and 3D virtual models of goods and products for
the purposes of testing. It is also sometimes referred to as computer assisted drafting.
2.14.1 Advantages of CAD

In the field of product development there are often immense costs associated with the testing of
new products. Every new product must undergo at least a small measure of physical testing –
not only to ensure that it meets minimum safety standards but also to ensure that it will
successfully operate under the range of conditions to which it can expect to be exposed.

Example: The wing of an airplane must undergo stress tests to ensure that it will retain
its integrity even under the most grueling weather and turbulence conditions before it is approved
for use.
Unfortunately, this testing can be ruinously time-consuming and expensive. If an aeronautical
company has to physically build dozens of wings in the course of testing a new design then the
final cost and time scale of the project can be far higher than projected. Fortunately, there is no
need to physically test all of these designs. Instead, developers can run virtual stress tests using
computer-aided design, substituting a wind tunnel for a CAD application that can simulate the
same conditions.
The benefits of virtual simulations are obvious. In addition to a reduction in the cost of product
development and the time required to run tests there is also the advantage that conceptual
designs can be modified instantly as the tests progress.
Perhaps one of the best examples of this versatility can be seen in the design of the airplane
wing. The science of aerodynamics is complex, and it is often the case that certain wing shapes
can create unexpected turbulence under certain conditions. When this occurs during physical
testing it can be a challenge to discover the problem and make alterations. When running
virtual tests using CAD, however, alterations to the design can be made quickly and easily, so
new designs can be tested and retested until the problem is resolved.
2.14.2 Business Applications for CAD

Idea Generation

With the limiting factor of prototype manufacture removed, CAD allows the process of idea
generation to become much more flexible. Enterprises can afford to be more open to new ideas
and suggestions than in the past – from both employees and potential customers. Suggestions
for new products can be quickly tested at a much lower cost than in the past.

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