A framework for integrating design automation with computer aided parametric estimating (CAPE)

This paper will identify a shortcoming in the Design-To-Cost (DTC) capability of the military/aerospace industry and propose an integrated product development environment (IPDE) solution based upon: the electronic integration of computer aided parametric estimating (CAPE) tools with computer aided engineering (CAE) tools the organizational integration of cost analysts and engineers via integrated product development teams (IPDT´s). This solution is referred to as integrated Design-To-Cost (IDTC). An IDTC toolset consisting of two mature, commercially available products (PRICE systems PRICE enterprise CAPE tool and ascent logic´s RDD-100 systems engineering tool) will be used as an example of IDTC. DARPA´s rapid prototyping of application specific signal processors (RASSP) program provided the seed funding, enabling the creation of IDTC under the guidance of Lockheed Martin´s Advanced Technology Laboratories (Camden, NJ)