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).