Planning for manufacture, distribution and retirement

(a) Planning for manufacture

Planning for manufacture decides how the product will actually be made, so that the design is economical and of consistent quality.

• Choose the production processes (casting, forging, machining, welding, assembly) and the order of operations.
• Decide make-or-buy for each component and select standard parts where possible.
• Design for manufacture and assembly: fewer parts, simple shapes, standard sizes, easy tolerances.
• Plan jigs, fixtures, tooling, machines, inspection and quality control, and production rate and cost.

(b) Planning for distribution and use

• Distribution: packaging that protects the product, size and weight suited to transport and storage, shipping and sales channels, and installation requirements.
• Use: the product must be safe and easy to operate by the intended user; a clear instruction manual, warning labels, ease of maintenance and repair, availability of spare parts and service, and warranty. The designer considers likely misuse and the working environment (dust, humidity, temperature).

(c) Planning for retirement

Every product ends its useful life. Planning for it means:

• Designing for long life and for repair or reconditioning, so that the product is not discarded early.
• Using materials that can be recycled, marking plastics, and avoiding hazardous substances.
• Making disassembly easy so that components and materials can be reused or recycled.
• Providing for safe disposal (for example batteries, oils, refrigerants) in line with environmental rules.

The aim is to reduce waste and lifetime cost, and to protect the environment.