| Summary: | Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering; and, (M.B.A.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management; in conjunction with the Leaders for Global Operations Program at MIT, 2013. === Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. === Includes bibliographical references (p. 44). === In an increasingly complex supply chain, the use of a structured methodology for locating applicable existing parts during the design process can help a large-volume manufacturer to encourage the reuse of components already in inventory, rather than source new ones. This reuse can dramatically reduce the speed at which the database grows in complexity and can prevent unnecessary escalation of inventory levels. It can also serve to increase the order volume of a smaller number of electromechanical components and reduce the cost and delivery time of new products in development. The use of an internal search tool to facilitate the design process will also encourage engineers to make design decisions that benefit the larger organization. This thesis proposes a design methodology for a web-based search tool aimed at reducing unnecessary new part creation in a component database. Included is a proposed set of features to be implemented in the software tool to assist engineers in locating, reviewing and utilizing relevant existing parts quickly, as well as suggestions for integrating this tool into the standard engineering workflow. The goal will be to encourage the reuse of parts in inventory and prevent unjustified proliferation in the database. === by Toni J. Ferreira. === M.B.A. === S.M.
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