Workshop objectives
These application-oriented workshops help teams learn and begin using DFMA® Product Simplification and Costing techniques. The workshop begins with an overview of these techniques, their fit with common business practices, and expected implementation benefits. Participants then sequentially learn each technique and immediately apply them on projects important to your company.
- Apply DFA product simplification on your own assemblies
- Use DFM Concurrent Costing to evaluate manufacturing process and material options
- Develop "should" and "could" costs for more effective supply chain discussions
- Present measurable, "cashable" results to stakeholders
- Understand how to implement DFMA across a product's lifecycle
- See how DFMA drives concurrent product, process, and supply chain development
- Achieve immediate, quantified cost and quality improvements
- Identify innovative future solutions that feed R&D
Who should attend
DFMA workshops are designed to drive product cost, quality, and time-to-market improvements through design changes. It's logical to include representatives from all functional groups that make up a cross-functional product development team:
Participants are divided into small project teams of 3–6 members, ideally cross-functional. Team members can float between teams as needed given their particular expertise.
Project selection
DFMA is typically applied to electro-mechanical devices and assemblies. Production volume can span the range from ultra-low (5–10 units per year) to mega-high (tens of millions per year).
For the typical 3-day workshop, project assemblies should be 30–50 unique part numbers in size. For larger, hierarchical product structures, a mix of parts, subassemblies, and their children can be included in the project scope. Chris will assist you in identifying and selecting the right project assemblies.
Three-day agenda
This is the typical 3-day agenda. It can be modified based on the needs, desires, and constraints of your company and associated projects.
Day One — DFA & Redesign Ideation
Day Two — DFM Concurrent Costing
Day Three — Results & Stakeholder Report-Out
Logistics & preparation
- All training materials and documentation
- DFMA software licenses for workshop use
- Facilitation by Chris Tsai
- Venue (meeting room or off-site location)
- Computers (at least one per team; second monitor helpful)
- Projector, screen, extension cords, power strips
- Flip charts or white boards
- Project assemblies, drawings, CAD files, tools
Coordinator checklist
- Reserve meeting room — off-site can minimize distractions, but access to the manufacturing floor is also beneficial
- Arrange computers and install DFMA software prior to day one
- Arrange projector, screen, extension cords, power strips, flip charts / white boards
- Identify and select workshop projects — scope should be 30–50 unique part numbers for a 3-day workshop
- Arrange for project parts/assemblies, drawings, CAD files, and tools
- Invite management and stakeholders to attend the kick-off and report-out sessions
- Inform BDI at least three weeks before the workshop date with shipping address, billing address, and PO number
- Inform workshop leader of venue and hotel location — recommended hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Cancellation policy: Workshops canceled with less than two weeks' notice from the scheduled date will result in a 20% fee ($500 minimum), which can be used as a credit toward future workshops.
Schedule an Implementation Workshop
Contact us with your team size, target products, and preferred timing. Chris will work with you on project selection and logistics.
