Design for manufacture; design for the life-cycle; systems life-cycle engineering

A perspective is presented on a conceptual relationship of design for assembly, design for manufacture, and design for the life cycle. Systems life-cycle engineering is defined and needed research initiatives are proposed. Despite the fact that a few leading companies have used variations of this latter approach effectively over a number of years on different technologies and products, there still is not a good, consistent nomenclature, a well-defined process, or a well-documented methodology for general industrial use or general academic educational curriculum. The author attempts to begin to rectify this situation. This work highlights some of the activities in this area, and the general methodology and process.<>