Competitive Advantages This database system methodology can be used by any design department. DPI provides objective evidence of ISO 9001 design section compliance. DPI enables the program to retain a critical knowledge database after personnel have retired or left the program

Design Process Integration (DPI) is a systems engineering approach using an integrated database. The goal of DPI is to provide a fully integrated knowledge-based system to control and document the design engineering process.It provides a checklist type data input forms to assure compliance with contractual requirements. It also provides a common database repository for the information behind the released design drawings.

The Design Process Integration database was created using Microsoft Access. In a larger engineering organization a more powerful database such as Oracle is recommended to perform this function. This methodology of controlling and documenting the design engineering process can be adapted by other diverse departments/organizations program-wide.

System Operation

1. The requester enters a request for design services by submitting a Design Support Request (DSR) through the database.
2. The cognizant design engineering manager opens and reviews the existing DSRs and assigns the DSR to specific members of the team for analysis and evaluation through the database.
3. If the DSR is approved, it is sent to the Configuration Change Board (CCB) for funding. If the DSR is not approved, it is sent back to the requestor with disapproval rationale in a timely manner.

The following approval documents are available in Section 1.0 of the Product Approval Record (PAR) and are completed as required:

• The Configuration Change Board Directive (CCBD)
• The Logistics Change Board (LCB) records
• The Engineering Design Change Proposal (EDCP)

• Further details about System Operation are available in the overview document (PDF format).