Standardization in Design

When considering the principles of Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) and 5S methods, which enable collaboration between design and production departments, the principle of standardization of parts used in assembly comes to the forefront. Standardization of parts is a necessary condition for modular design, which ensures the compatibility of independent parts with each other in systems focused on production ease and assembly efficiency. Therefore, employees in design departments of companies should concentrate on the use of standard parts and standardization processes by harmonizing the design prepared to meet their objectives with customer requirements.

About 70% of manufacturing costs are determined during the design stage. When the correct steps are taken during product design, waste can be minimized, making the process more efficient. The use of standard parts during the design stage contributes positively to this process. Although there is no one-size-fits-all approach to standardization levels for companies, each company should determine and implement the level of standardization that suits them. The more standardization is applied to the system, the more beneficial it becomes, leading to cost reduction and increased efficiency. Standardization should not be limited to design alone; it should be extended to processes such as assembly lines, production methods, and product sourcing. 

The benefits of standardization in design can be listed as follows:

• About 70% of manufacturing costs are determined during the design stage.
• When the correct steps are taken during product design, waste can be minimized, making the process more efficient.
• The use of standard parts during the design stage contributes positively to this process.
• Standardization and standard have multiple definitions. According to the Turkish Standards Institution (TSE), a standard is defined as “documents established by agreement, approved by an authorized organization, and aimed at achieving the most favorable regulation of rules, principles, or characteristics of activities or their outcomes for common and repeated use in a specific subject or scope.” Standardization is defined as “the activity of establishing the necessary provisions to achieve the optimal level of regulation for common and repeated use in a specific subject, considering existing and potential problems.”
• Although the standardization level varies for each company, there is no one correct approach for companies. Each company needs to determine and implement the standardization that suits them.
• The more standardization is applied to the system, the more beneficial it becomes, leading to cost reduction and increased efficiency.
• Standardization should not be limited to design alone; it should be extended to processes such as assembly lines, production methods, and product sourcing.

The benefits of standardization in design can be listed as follows:

• Enhances quality and efficiency in production, eliminating time and labor waste.
• Facilitates the development of machine elements.
• Enables faster and easier manufacturing.
• Significantly reduces costs.
• Provides design and assembly flexibility.
• Facilitates spare parts procurement, enhancing competitiveness in the market.
• Helps reduce delivery time in production.
• Enables mass production.
• Prevents misunderstandings and conflicts.

However, there are also disadvantages to standardization, which are listed below:

• It can lead to a delayed response in the market.
• It can result in a decrease in product variety.
• It may not fully meet market expectations.

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