Corporate Library

SEER for Manufacturing

Webinars

Estimate Early: Estimate Faster with SEER Estimate by Comparison

This presentation will provide an insight into the SEER Estimate by Comparison application, its use in concert with the SEER solutions, and some applications which center around common project management issues.

The Estimate by Comparison application has traditionally been used to empower users to develop an understanding of software size; the single most significant driver of development cost, effort, and schedule for software projects. However, SEER Estimate by Comparison has evolved and can be utilized with all of the SEER solutions to provide an insight into effective definition of scope through a series of project analogies and/or comparisons to a user’s repository of past projects, thus helping users to develop a reliable estimate on a project’s scope even when information is scarce.

SEER Estimate by Comparison further adds capability to the project team when used in a more contemporary manner. It can be manipulated in such a manner that a wide realm of subjective, qualitative alternatives can be evaluated in context of the project as a whole in a robust, repeatable and ultimately measureable manner.

We will explore its use in two major Project Management areas, namely, Risk Management and Requirements Management.

The possibilities and the opportunities to better quantify qualitative conjecture are virtually limitless.

Estimate More with Less: Cost IQ

Imagine being able to produce comprehensive estimates derived from just a few requirements . . . Now you can.

The CostIQ system has been designed to rapidly produce full projects in any SEER model, with little more needed from the user than a few requirements.

Learn:

  • An in-depth introduction to the system
  • Its use and configuration
  • Its interface with the SEER applications
  • How CostIQ can be customized to your own estimating challenges
Paying too much? “Should Cost” Assessments with SEER

Discover how to make finite decisions with a “should cost” model based on the manufacturing options you have available.

“Should cost” modeling should be the cornerstone for any company that outsources manufacturing, or wants to evaluate outsourcing options vs. in-house manufacturing capabilities.

A capable “should cost” model ought to:

  • Provide credible and defendable estimates of manufacturing and assembly costs
  • Allow for the evaluation of alternatives that directly impact the cost to manufacture
  • Facilitate proactive, real time cost impact assessments of design alternatives for today’s global sourcing environment
  • Facilitate vendor negotiations for outsourced fabrication
  • Allow you to determine what is the right price you should be paying for any given outsourced commodity? And what is the total cost of that commodity in real terms?

Debbie Wilson of Gartner may have said it best. “When price negotiations are conducted with accurate cost models in hand, I firmly believe that they yield superior results. That’s because fact-based discussions support joint problem-solving and relationship building with key suppliers far better than just using a heavier hammer or an alternative supplier’s hard luck…”

Learn how the SEER for Manufacturing cost model can be utilized to provide these functions, performing in-depth cost analysis at the manufacturing process level so the user can make the necessary finite decisions.

Acquisition Reform (WSARA) And How It Impacts Your Estimations: Looking forward And Lessons Learned

Weapons systems acquisition reform has been a recurring topic within the Department of Defense for many years.

Mr. Bob Hunt, Galorath’s V.P. of Professional Services, was a Senior Pentagon official during the previous Acquisition Reform initiatives. He has since been active in the contractor community. Mr. Hunt will offer a unique perspective on how these acquisition reforms will impact both the Government and the contractor estimating communities.

This WebEx discusses the unique implication of the latest reform on the cost and schedule estimating process, including:

  • Cost Assessment & Program Evaluation
  • Directors of DT&E and Systems Engineering Performance Assessments & Root Cause Analysis
  • Assessment of Technology Maturity
  • Trade-Offs in Cost, Schedule and Performance
  • Critical Cost Growth in MDAPs
  • Earned Value Management
  • Required Reports
  • Cost Assessment & Program Evaluation
  • How some of the SEER applications can be advantageously applied for Pre-milestone A estimates
  • And much more!

Much (or some) of this has been tried before, e.g. Goldwater-Nichols Department of Defense Reorganization Act of 1986; also discussed in “The Cost Analysis Improvement Group: A History” by Srull, Margolis, and McNicol. WSARA is being driven by the continued and “sometimes surprising growth” in the cost and schedule of Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs).

Don’t Let Estimating Complex Custom ICs Intimidate You

Estimating Circuit Card development has become more challenging due to the increased presence of complex custom ICs like ASICs, FPGAs and RFICs. These critical components provide a dramatic increase in capability but are also a challenge to estimate due to the ever increasing performance of each new generation of chips.

Learn how the SEER-IC plug-in:

  • Expands the capabilities of SEER-H to allow a deeper look into these custom components in order to more accurately estimate these significant costs.
  • Performs tradeoffs between different technologies and assess possible cost impacts of various technical options.
  • Can be used to estimate costs for ASICs, FPGAs and RFICs. We will show some common examples and tradeoffs done with the model.
What Would You Like to Estimate Today?  SEER Estimate by Comparison

With SEER Estimate by Comparison, good estimates based on intuition are only a few comparisons away.  By stepping through a series of intuitive comparisons to better-known items, SEER Estimate by Comparison provides a credible basis for accurately determining either quantitative or qualitative values for both SEER and non-SEER parameters.

In a portfolio analysis exercise, we will demonstrate how multiple software projects’ sizes and value can be simultaneously estimated.

Smart Sourcing in the Global Environment

This presentation discusses how process-based parametric cost models, SEER for Hardware, Electronics & Systems (SEER-H) and SEER for Manufacturing (SEER-MFG), are used to facilitate proactive real time cost impact assessments of commodity design alternatives in today’s global sourcing environment. The main purpose is to show how model use in the sourcing process can produce a significant financial benefit to any organization that employs the use of the SEER-H and SEER-MFG modeling process. It will also introduce the model's flexibility in the development of trade study “should cost” estimates, using a "real world" case study.

Purchase Cost Estimating (“Should-cost”) with SEER for Manufacturing

Many companies use SEER for Manufacturing (SEER-MFG) in the design cycle to optimize the cost and producibility of the product under development. Once a product is issued from design, an opportunity exists to apply SEER-MFG in the supply chain. By using SEER-MFG to create a should-cost model, the commercial team can approach the supply base with informed, detailed information demonstrating the build-up of cost within the manufacturing process. This webinar covers key aspects of calibrating SEER-MFG Knowledge Bases in order to provide should-cost models and will explore the methods for capturing supplier-cost models so you can perform GAP analysis, enabling supply development and collaborative cost control. We also discuss how collaboration on the development of Knowledge Bases between suppliers and customers reduces turnaround time for new projects and aids in negotiation.

Modeling Composites in SEER for Hardware, Electronics & Systems and SEER for Manufacturing

SEER for Hardware, Electronics & Systems can provide comprehensive lifecycle cost estimates for composite processes and systems even when information is limited to weight volume and material mix. The model has built-in Knowledge Bases that cover composite materials and manufacturing processes. SEER-DFM operates at the manufacturing process level, modeling composites using three different approaches, all of which have different levels of input and output granularity. The standard SEER for Manufacturing (formerly SEER-DFM) model comes with two modeling options: Composites Model and Detailed Composites Model. A plug-in is available for SEER-DFM that provides more advanced composites and aerostructures modeling capabilities. This webinar demonstrates the various ways in which composites estimation can be accomplished utilizing these models.

Introduction to Hardware Estimation Using SEER for Hardware, Electronics & Systems and SEER -MFG

Mechanical, electro-mechanical, structural and electronics programs present are challenging to estimate. SEER for Hardware, Electronics & Systems (SEER-H) can help you make better decisions quickly and with more confidence by simulating your project based on extensive and extensible knowledge bases, and sophisticated parametric modeling capabilities. SEER-H provides fast, reliable estimates on everything from individual components to a variety of complete product assemblies. But the best design doesn't mean much if it can't be efficiently and reliably manufactured. SEER for Manufacturing (SEER-MFG) is an estimation and analysis application that lets you identify, evaluate and manage the complex array of cost, labor, assembly, process, part design, material, and production variables that affect manufacturing operations. This webinar will not only demonstrate capabilities of SEER for Hardware, Electronics & Systems and SEER for Manufacturing, but how the two integrate with one another to provide the most complete and accurate estimates possible.

 

Presentations

What’s New and “Dan Galorath on Estimating” - by Dan Galorath

What’s new and what’s coming in SEER will be featured.

Additionally Dan will discuss selections from his blog. Dan will discuss selections from metrics, effectiveness measurement, the real costs of a variety of undertakings, what is ITIL versus ISO 9000, the risk of IT projects, what the assets of failed banks really are worth, and lots more. He weighs in on a wealth of topics both timeless and contemporary.

Procurement Costs – Transparency and Assurance - by Mark Gornall

Procured Equipment, Material and Services represents over two thirds of the initial cost of a military air platform and the resulting through life support activity. In the current climate of partnering and price transparency linked to a business environment increasingly focussed on ethical conduct, commercial parametric estimating models can provide confidence for both supplier and customer through open cost modelling based on industry standards of performance.

This presentation will outline the current activity at BAE Systems – Military Air Solutions aimed at achieving these goals.

The Value of Cost Estimating for Cost Management - by Goof Pruijsen

Costs are determined in the very early stages of the Product Creation Process. Not using this fact, but only to focus on ‘solving technical puzzles’ or stressing Time-to-Market is a missed opportunity that in the end makes the business less competitive. In many companies Cost estimation can be a very valuable tool for purchasing in determining the ‘should cost’ if only used in this way however cost estimation becomes a ‘purchasing tool’ only.

Changing to Target Costing means: Define the Customer Value before development starts, and derive the Target Cost from this. Then start studies to address the economic feasibility of new products, using cost estimation and cost driver analysis. This way cost estimation becomes a strategic decision support tool with less need to repair costs later on.

Goof will address the following during his presentation:

  • How we used to address costs (not)
  • Change to Target Costing
  • Role of Cost Estimation for target costing
  • Some Examples of Cost Reduction achievements using Cost Estimation
CAI Galorath Spring 2008 Webinar Measurement and Legacy
Composites Affordability Initiative Cost Analysis Model (CAICAT)

This presentation provides an overview and update of Phase II of the Composites Affordability Initiative and presents insights into the activities involved with Phase III.

Real Time Cost Impact Assessment of Composite and Metallic Design Alternatives

Up to 80% of a product's cost is determined during the design phase. Making changes later down the line is an expensive and time-consuming process. This white paper discusses how a process-based parametric estimating application, SEER for Manufacturing (SEER-MFG), can be used to facilitate the real-time cost impact assessment of composite and metallic design alternatives. It introduces the underlying cost-model methodologies and demonstrates its flexibility for developing trade studies.

 

Whitepapers

Smart Sourcing in the Global Environment

This paper discusses how process-based parametric cost models, SEER-H and SEER-MFG, are used to facilitate proactive real time cost impact assessments of commodity design alternatives in today’s global sourcing environment. The main purpose is to show how model use in the sourcing process can produce a significant financial benefit to any organization that employs the use of the SEER-H and SEER-MFG modeling process. It will also introduce the SEER-H and SEER-MFG estimation cost models, their premise, and flexibility of use in the development of trade study “should be costing” estimates. This approach facilitates organizations to take full advantage of outsourcing cost reductions and profit increases made possible thru the use of parametric cost models. Readers are introduced to how commodity managers and engineers can use these models to obtain substantial cost savings through uses in a ‘real world’ case study.

Real Time Cost Impact Assessment of Composite and Metallic Design Alternatives

Up to 80% of a product's cost is determined during the design phase. Making changes later down the line is an expensive and time-consuming process. This white paper discusses how the use of a process-based parametric estimating application, SEER for Manufacturing (SEER-MFG), can be used to facilitate the real-time cost impact assessment of composite and metallic design alternatives. It introduces the underlying cost-model methodologies and demonstrates its flexibility for developing trade studies.

Benefit of Using Cost Models to Guide Composite Frame Designs

This presentation describes the use of cost models to evaluate alternative frame designs, analyze trade-offs with various manufacturing processes, and understand impacts of design features and material sections. This capability goes beyond pure cost values, allowing a designer to identify the optimal and most affordable configuration and manufacturing plan during the design phase.

 

Case Studies