Engineering automation for the SME : A viable tool for “mass” customization

Purpose – Explains how SMEs have discovered how to avoid high investment cost attributed to the implementation costs of knowledge based engineering or engineering automation software. Design/methodology/approach – A study of how SMEs have developed alternative design automation using standard CAD and Microsoft Office programs. Findings – Using design technology has reduced custom design lead times for particular items from weeks to hours, with customers now being provided with drawings the next day, or even graphics via e‐mail the same day. Originality/value – Has allowed the company used in the study to deliver products that now cost from 12‐15 percent less than its competition.