Definition
Methods of optimizing products and manufacturing processes during the development period in SDR.
In detail
Simultaneous Product and Process Optimization (SPPO) is a method that advances product design and manufacturing process design in parallel in the early stages of new product development, aiming to shorten development cycles and reduce late-stage change costs. It addresses the rework and delays caused by traditional sequential development where "process is considered after design." Unlike pure product design or process design, SPPO emphasizes cross-functional team collaboration, simultaneously considering manufacturability, assemblability, and quality requirements. It typically outputs a synchronized development plan, cross-functional review milestones, and process validation plans.
Example in practice
An automotive parts supplier, when developing a new battery housing, if product design is completed before planning the welding process, design rework may occur due to process limitations. By adopting SPPO, the design and process teams worked together from the concept stage, determining welding methods and tolerance requirements in advance. Process simulation was completed before prototype production, reducing trial runs, and the product reached mass production faster.