SYSTEM LIFE-CYCLE ENGINEERING AND DF-X

A perspective is presented on a conceptual relationship of design for assembly, design for manufacture, and design for the life cycle. System life-cycle engineering is defined and needed research initiatives proposed. It is stressed that it is important to keep a perspective that considers the total life cycle of the product (and manufacturing process) in continual view and focus. This is even more important today when the planning of new products includes second, and third, etc., generation product follow-on's, where the support to and through product lives must be part of an integrated life-cycle strategy. The importance of planning for and addressing this systems life cycle, first-generation, second-generation, etc., technology plateau approach is highlighted even for new technologies such as artificial intelligence and expert systems where finite life versus modification and change will even be more important.