Design-oriented Cost Information: the Need and the Possibilities

SUMMARY It is increasingly recognized that designers have a large potential influence on product costs. Unfortunately they do not often have the opportunity to minimize costs. The time available for optimization of the design may be lacking and available cost information not be suitable for use by the designer. Computerized cost information tools, linked to computer-aided design systems, to be used by the designer without the assistance of cost estimators or process planners, can improve this situation. What information does the designer need? Which tools can be developed, and what has been done already? This article provides a survey.