Automated manufacturing cost estimator and supply chain management portal

我们提议的项目由i4 Product Design牵头，与合作伙伴ShapeSpace、Houston We Have （HWH）、BOC和McLaren Plastics合作，将评估项目和注塑件的准确软件估算器的可行性，以及连接工程师和英国制造商以满足其供应链要求的门户。i4pd已经开发了一个原型零件成本计算器，但需要经验丰富的工程师的输入，并且仅限于注塑零件。该项目将改进现有的计算器，以便使用3D数据文件生成准确、自动的估计。计算器将从数据文件中提取影响零件模具成本的特征，并在算法中使用这些特征与材料成本一起产生零件的估计价格。ShapeSpace开发了从3D数据文件中提取特征以进行零件比较的算法；他们的软件可以扩展到零件成本计算器中。另外还将开发一种新颖的软件工具，仅根据初始产品需求对项目进行评估。这将通过一个新的贝叶斯推理和主观逻辑模型发展，由HWH生成。在整合到招标门户网站后，这些估算工具将利用用户上传的数据，以提高计算器的准确性。为了评估门户网站的财务可行性，市场研究将评估对这样一个平台的需求，以及需要哪些功能来适应当前的报价实践。供应商访谈将通过项目合作伙伴的供应链以及有针对性的调查广告进行。将对现有的i4pd客户进行额外的调查，以评估买方在门户网站上的需求。测试原型门户的设计将与市场研究同时开始，并且调查的结果将驱动未来的迭代。目前计划的门户功能包括买家上传项目信息（需求和3D数据）的能力，并允许供应商与潜在客户就特定项目进行沟通，并对项目的供应链进行投标。门户网站将提供完整的报价从供应商到买家或整理多个报价，如果一个单一的供应商不能提供一个完整的项目。此外，门户网站将提供对项目的自动反馈，例如对环境影响较小的替代材料和制造过程，以及使用该项目中开发的软件估计单个部件的成本。

Our proposed project led by i4 Product Design, with partners ShapeSpace, Houston We Have (HWH), BOC and McLaren Plastics will assess the feasibility of an accurate software estimator of projects and injection moulded parts, and a portal that connects engineers and UK manufacturers to fulfill their supply chains requirements.A prototype part cost calculator has been developed by i4pd, but requires input from experienced engineers, and is limited to injection moulded parts. This project will refine the existing calculator so that an accurate, automated estimate can be generated using 3D data files. The calculator will extract features that affect the cost of the part mould from the data file, and use these features alongside material costs in an algorithm to produce an estimated price of the part. ShapeSpace develops algorithms that extract features from 3D data files for part comparison; their software can be extended for use in the part cost calculator. An additional novel software tool will also be developed that provides an estimate for a project based solely on initial product requirements. This will be developed through a new Bayesian Reasoning and Subjective Logic model, generated by HWH. When integrated into a tendering portal, these estimation tools will be draw on data uploaded by users to improve the calculators' accuracy.To assess financial feasibility of the portal, market research will assess demand for such a platform along with what features would be required to fit current quotation practices. Vendor interviews will be conducted through the project partner's supply chains along with targeted survey advertising. Additional surveys will be performed with existing i4pd clients to assess Buyers needs on the portal. Design of a test prototype portal will begin in parallel with the market research, and the results of the survey will drive future iterations.The current planned features for the portal include the ability for Buyers to upload project information (requirements and 3D data) and allow Vendors to communicate with potential clients about specific projects and bid on the supply chain for projects. The portal will present full quotations from vendors to the buyers or collate multiple quotations if a single Vendor cannot supply for a full project. In addition, the portal will provide automated feedback on a project such as alternative materials and manufacturing processes that have a lower environmental impact, and an estimate of what individual parts will cost using the software developed in this project.