In today’s fierce and competitive market, industrial companies are challenged to deliver new products with high quality and short lead time in a cost-effective manner. To do so companies need to utilize effective product development processes and efficient production procedures. One way for industrial companies to connect these two key aspects can be through the implementation of new and impactful DFMA practices in their product development process. By gathering and analyzing available theories from the well-researched area of DFMA combined with firsthand empirical data from an industrial company, this master thesis aims to explore how DFMA can be used in the conceptual phase of the product development process and how it may influence the result.

The findings showcase a clear need for DFMA to be an integral part of the day-to-day work in early product development, as well as a lack of non-evaluative tools and methods applicable in the conceptual phase of the product development process. Based on the theoretical findings and empirical data, a DFMA-thinking framework has been developed to help bring DFMA into top of mind in the day-to-day work of design engineers. Furthermore, implementing the DFMA-thinking framework in collaboration with an industrial company shows positive benefits in manufacturability and assemblability of the developed concept compared to standard practices, along with potential economic benefits as a result of more efficient production. 

By adapting this DFMA-thinking framework into day-to-day operations, industrial companies can effectively decrease potential manufacturing and assembly issues and meet the needs of the fast-paced market.