This article discusses the challenges organizations face due to siloed structures, as highlighted by Conway’s Law. It emphasizes the importance of a change process in fostering cross-functional collaboration, enabling better communication between departments. The author advocates for configuration management as a means to effectively manage change and break down silos, ultimately enhancing organizational efficiency.
This article discusses the importance of ongoing verification in the First Article Inspection (FAI) and Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) in aerospace and automotive industries. Both processes ensure that changes in production do not affect part quality, emphasizing the need for continuous oversight and accountability beyond initial approvals.
The failure of Ariane 5’s maiden flight stemmed from an inertial reference system designed for Ariane 4, which was inadequate for its faster velocity. This incident highlights the dangers of assuming prior success in similar systems without reassessing their applicability to new contexts. Verification methods must include clear scope definitions to prevent such oversights.
On August 30, 1785, Thomas Jefferson observed a demonstration by Honore Blanc, showing the interchangeability of musket lock parts. This highlighted the importance of validation over mere declarations. The article discusses modern challenges in proving interchangeability, emphasizing a structured process to ensure claims are supported by evidence and not just assumptions.
The debate around the “Part Proxy” concept, introduced by Prof. Dr. Jörg W. Fischer, highlights challenges in managing interchangeable parts across different plants in manufacturing. It emphasizes the need for proper identification and interchangeability criteria, advocating for distinct part numbers when constructions differ, while maintaining a system for equivalent items to ensure clarity in manufacturing processes and documentation.
The article highlights the challenges of capturing tacit knowledge in engineering design, emphasizing that valuable insights often exist informally within experienced professionals. It advocates for recording reasoning during decision-making processes and acknowledges the importance of mentoring, suggesting a balanced approach between documentation and recognizing human expertise in knowledge management.
The article examines the concept of Product Memory within the context of configuration management (CM), highlighting the importance of preserving the reasoning behind engineering decisions. It emphasizes that while CM effectively manages the “what” of product data, it often overlooks the critical “why.” This gap can lead to significant risks, particularly in complex systems. The integration of AI could assist in retrieving and recording this reasoning, reinforcing the value of… Read More »The Question Your Configuration Management System Can’t Answer!
The article discusses the concept of configuration debt in product development, highlighting how initial errors in product variant assessments can lead to compounded issues over time. Unlike technical debt, configuration debt manifests in hidden warranty claims and field failures, stemming from unaddressed applicability confirmations that impact subsequent engineering decisions.
The article discusses the importance of distinguishing between applicability and effectivity in change management. It highlights how confusion arises when both concepts are tackled simultaneously, leading to unresolved issues during meetings. The author advocates for a structured process that separates scope confirmation from effectivity assignment, enhancing productivity and decision-making in organizations.
This article emphasizes the importance of structured data in engineering change management, highlighting that 30-50% of engineering capacity is wasted on rework. It advocates for AI-assisted impact analysis within a defined framework, such as CM2, which fosters collaboration between engineers and AI. This approach enhances understanding and accountability in decision-making.
