What is the difference between Product engineering and Production engineering?
The terms product engineering and production engineering appear frequently in our work-related conversations with clients. However, there can be a lot of confusion about these terms. Many people think of the terms as one or confuse them. In this blog, we explain the terms and highlight the differences.
Product engineering
When we talk about product engineering, we are talking about the various aspects required to create a product. This refers to the cycle that starts with defining the characteristics of a product and ends when a complete design is ready for production. For example, the choice of a system architecture is made and recorded in an Architectural Design Document (ADD). After this, the detailed design is worked out, followed by the implementation of the software, hardware and prototype construction. Finally, various verifications, validations and acceptance tests are done to determine if the product is functioning properly.
After completing these steps, the product is transferred to production. The design team that has been responsible for this development remains available for support during the production phase. This includes advice on applying second sources for components and support during production testing.
Production engineering
Production engineering includes all engineering activities related to the actual production of a designed product. This can include work preparation, such as creating bills of materials and machining plans in the ERP system and preparing production documentation, as well as going through a PPAP procedure if required.
But also the design or adjustment of the production process itself or related processes such as gluing, assembly or packaging, falls under production engineering. This involves cooperation (if necessary) with external parties who have specific knowledge of specific production processes. All this is done to produce the products easier or at a lower cost. Our production engineers are closely involved in the manufacturing of products. Their main task is to ensure that all products are manufactured using the greatest possible efficiency and quality, in combination with planned protocols.
The differences between product and production engineering
When talking about product engineering, it refers to the development of the product. Production engineering refers to everything to do with making this product ready for production. Product engineering will be done first, after which the designed product will be transferred to production engineering (and then production itself).
Product and production engineering at Confed
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Got curious?
Have you become curious about what we can do for you in this area? We would like to invite you to contact us. This can easily be done by phone or via our general email address. You can also send us a request via the contact page and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Contact via:
info@confed.eu or tel: +31(0) 33 454 1340
