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aPriori Product Cost Management

aPriori is one of those products that you encounter once in a blue moon, that really impresses, and provides a rapid return on investment.

Generate Precise Cost Assessments from 3D CAD Models in Real-Time

aPriori, uses innovative and patented technology that analyses a 3D CAD model, and based upon the material, geometry, production volume & life of a product will determine the most cost efficient method of manufacture, taking into account material costs, labour , overheads and a companies plant and equipment including tooling. In seconds it presents a “should cost” for the product, where ordinarily, to calculate and generate this information can typically take several people and several days before a cost is calculated/estimated, and in this day and age, time or lack of time is our biggest constraint.

Launch New Products at or Below Target Cost

aPriori impacts upon and benefits many parts of a company, however from a engineering perspective having “cost information” at a designers fingertips is unique and has massive benefits. Traditionally designers are focused on “fit-form & function”, but it is in the design phase that a products cost (85%+) is predominantly determined, and once designed is difficult and costly to change. aPriori enables/empowers a designer to focus on “fit, form, function & Cost”. If fully aware of the manufacturing costs it empowers the designer to be proactive with value engineering and reduce the production cost of a product. Thus it enables them to effectively design/manufacture products at below a “target cost” and also maximize re-design savings.

Never Overpay for Outsourced Parts

However it also has great benefit in the associated departments of sourcing (e.g. will tell someone in purchasing the cost impact of changing a material and whether they are overpaying for outsourced components), manufacturing (to aid in process planning – quickly analyse the cost implications of manufacturing in different geographies, or use it to quantify/justify investment in new plant) and of course senior management who recognise that even a small saving of 1% - 2% in it’s “Cost of Goods Sold” can have a dramatic impact upon a companies profitability.

Maximize Cost Savings on Re-Design Work

For re-design projects, aPriori provides design engineers with instant cost feedback as they attempt to cost-reduce production parts. Designers can simply load parts to see what they cost today and then evaluate cost-saving, alternative designs using aPriori’s precise product cost information. Cost assessments are delivered in real-time as designs are modified, providing engineers with instant visibility into how the most recent change will impact overall cost. With aPriori, designers always know what it “should cost” to produce a design without having to wait for a formal cost estimate or supplier quote. As a result, engineers can evaluate more alternatives and make better decisions that ultimately result in lower product costs.

Increase the Accuracy and Speed of RFQ Responses

OEMs are looking to outsource business to suppliers, but demand accurate and detailed quotations. From the supplier’s perspective, it’s challenging to keep up with the number of business opportunities because generating accurate and detailed quotations is a manual, resource-intensive process. With aPriori, the time required to generate a detailed cost estimate can be reduced from days to minutes.

• For Design / Engineering – Launch New Products at or Below Target Cost
  Learn how aPriori helps Engineers meet or beat target costs on new product initiatives
• For Sourcing / Supply Chain - Never Overpay for Outsourced Parts
  Learn how aPriori reduces product costs in the supply chain
• For Cost Estimators / Analysts - Maximize Cost Savings on Re-Work Projects
  Learn how aPriori makes costing easier/faster for cost experts
• For Suppliers - Increase the Accuracy and Speed of RFQ Responses
  Learn how aPriori provides fast, accurate cost estimates that will win you more business