SDI DFSS Software Toolset "Legacy Effect"
One of the added benefits of using the SDI DFSS Software Toolset is what one customer termed the "Legacy Effect". Basically, there are two types of "Legacy Effects" that come into play during implementation of the DFSS process. One effect is that there is a documented "record" of the design progression that can be referenced at a later date. The other effect is that it is very easy for management or a team member that is new to the activity to be "brought up to speed" as to the stage of the product development.
Companies have found that after training their product development teams in DFSS and actually implementing it into the Design process, they became aware of the added benefit of having a "history" of the design rationale that can be referred to in later stages or after the product has been launched. When situations occurred, they could then review the "Legacy" of the design, understand the occurrence, and take the necessary steps to resolve the issue. They soon became aware that this methodical record of each stage of the Design Process provided a way to go back to see where a mistake could have been made and get it corrected.
After a period of time this customer became aware of the fact that some of their Design Team members moved on to different areas, left the company, etc. The resulting product related questions were always the same - "Why was this done this way?". This company really liked the idea that the "Legacy" was available and that even in the presence of a dynamic workforce, new members of the Design Team could then review the "Legacy" of the design and be brought up to speed as to the where's, what's, and why's of the product design.
This underlying benefit of DFSS is one that we at SDI usually do not emphasize when teaching and implementing this methodology with our software. It is one benefit that may or may not be applicable to your situation but one that we feel the need to point out to our customers. DFSS, when combined with the right methods and tools, will not only help you predict the future, but also better understand the past.
