Your project timeline is in jeopardy due to parts delays. How will you ensure successful prototype testing?
Facing parts delays can be a make-or-break moment for prototype testing. To steer the project back on course:
- Reassess and adjust your timeline, factoring in current delays and potential risks .
- Source alternative parts or suppliers to mitigate further delays.
- Enhance communication with stakeholders to manage expectations and gather support.
How have you overcome delays in your projects? What strategies worked best for you?
Your project timeline is in jeopardy due to parts delays. How will you ensure successful prototype testing?
Facing parts delays can be a make-or-break moment for prototype testing. To steer the project back on course:
- Reassess and adjust your timeline, factoring in current delays and potential risks .
- Source alternative parts or suppliers to mitigate further delays.
- Enhance communication with stakeholders to manage expectations and gather support.
How have you overcome delays in your projects? What strategies worked best for you?
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1. Risikomanagement: Wir identifizieren frühzeitig Engpässe und entwickeln alternative Szenarien für kritische Bauteile. 2. Lieferantenkommunikation: Durch enge Zusammenarbeit mit Lieferanten reagieren wir schnell auf Änderungen. 3. Rapid Prototyping: Digitale Simulationen und 3D-Druck ermöglichen Tests auch ohne vollständige Teileverfügbarkeit. 4. Agiles Projektmanagement: Flexible Anpassungen im Entwicklungsprozess sichern kontinuierliche Tests und Fortschritte
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It’s very typical during the start of the project. 1.) Short to Mid term: Finding an alternative/surrogate parts can help move the development but will limit the scope of prototype testing. 2.) Adjust the timeline and lay the expectations. Communication is the key 3.) Deploy/Develop Simulation/Emulation tools which are agnostic to part/HW.
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Why prototype testing? Go virtual! Use simulation tools in early phases and final validation with parts out of production tool.
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One way would be to ask the parts supplier to send part which maybe still not fully developed, but is good enough for prototype testing of the entire product. And by limiting the prototype test procedure to account for under-developed part.
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To mitigate parts delays and ensure successful prototype testing, I would first identify critical path components and explore alternative suppliers or substitute parts that meet specifications. Simultaneously, I’d adjust the project timeline, prioritizing tasks that don’t rely on delayed parts. Close communication with suppliers is essential, expediting shipping where possible. If delays persist, I’d conduct initial tests using partial prototypes to refine processes and ensure no time is wasted. Regular updates to stakeholders and a flexible, problem-solving approach would keep the project on track.
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If our project in potential delay We can use Six sigma framework with DMAIC phases 1 Define - Make project charter to defines RACI and alternatives timeline 2 Measure - Use pareto chart to measure how big impact of delay 3 Analyze - Use Fishbone diagram to analyses the problem or root cause about man/methods/machines/ money( financial) 4 Improve Brainstorm with stake holders to give alternative solution like a. MVP for prototype b. Discuss about adjustment timeline with win win solution c Negotiate about contract and term with supplier so if the delay impact to schedule, the supplier will get penalty and compensate us 4 Control -Make list of Suppliers who competent - Control the production process (if internal)
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Atrasos nas peças são inevitáveis em projetos complexos, mas com uma reavaliação cuidadosa do cronograma, alternativas rápidas de fornecimento e comunicação transparente, é possível garantir que o teste de protótipos seja bem-sucedido, mesmo diante das dificuldades.
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This is common problem in automotive development. Based on my experience, I would like to : 1. Sit down with stakeholder to asses what risk & option we have & seek alternative solution. In worst case we will adjust the timeline. 2. Deep dive the root cause of part delays. - If it is the common parts / already available parts, we can check the compatibility to use this on the nearest prototype testing & back to original parts in next phase of testing. - If it is a new develop parts, then we'll seek any chance to solve the problem then expedite the shipment, if needed we'll use air. 3. Enhance communication to all stakeholder & periodic cadence to ensure every action item well execute in timely manner
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This is normal engineering business. Let's review following opportunities, - program reviews keeping control of timing & delivery - analytical, rig testing vs total system prototype for early feedback in design process - progressive testing including enhanced prototype phases 1, 2, 3 etc suiting supplier critical lead times when 3D printing parts can't be used due to systemic interaction. - making internal & external stake holders aware of proto supply & overall timing challenge. - let's remember testing is an iterative process ahead of launch so look at total plan than individual milestone.
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Detailed validation of proto parts as per DVP for any product is very important and crucial stage. Hence the availability of such parts for testing is vital. Being a product developer, I have faced these issues. Proper prototype mfg facility, material availability, tooling readiness, product handling and quality related knowledge to the operator, testing and packaging fixtures if required are some of the key factors while addressing validation plan for prototype parts. SOW of every entity in the product development process needs to be identified and given with correct information. Instead of having proto tools at first, some parts can be made by block machining or with latest 3D printed technology to save both valuable time and cost.
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