Combining a cost-benefit algorithm for ECTEP into the product structure diagram

This study presents a cost-benefit algorithm for Expediting the Completion Time of End Product (ECTEP) in the Product Structure Diagram (PSD) using the Critical Path Method (CPM) and the time-costing method. The classic PSD provides essential information for the consequent Material Requirement Planning (MRP). Selecting an appropriate acquisition method (either a particular manufacturing process or a specific speed of assembly or a specific supplier) for each component part is one of the early tasks faced by a product/process design team and it is critical because the resulting decisions are then translated into the PSD and its subsequent MRP. This study incorporates a cost-benefit decision procedure into the PSD for determining the optimal component procuring alternatives that not only expedites the completion time of the end product but also maximises the benefits. A numerical example is provided to demonstrate its practical usage.