Design for Manufacturing and Assembly
DfMA involves designing for the ease of manufacture of a product’s constituent parts. It is concerned with selecting the most cost-effective materials and processes to be used in production, and minimizing the complexity of the manufacturing operations.
The discipline of DfMA is beginning to gain a foothold in the construction industry.
DfMA thinking
The constituent parts of any complex project require expertise in many areas. When evaluating any project component, we view it from all relevant perspectives to ensure nothing is missed, and the solution is truly optimal.
We think like engineers …. Will this meet requirements? when coordinating, we verify engineering calculations as we go.
We think like supers …. How do we install it? How does this fit into the schedule? how many people are needed?
We think like pipe fitters …. How do we fabricate it?
We think like lawyers …. Is there any potential liability with this approach?
We think like designers …. Is the design intent met?
All of these things are needed to prepare a project not only for Manufacturing and Assembly, but for any kind of construction. CAD/BIM are merely tools to facilitate thinking.