Working with manufacturing partner Flextronics (FLEX
), Microsoft Corp. (MSFT
) used a Web collaboration system to bring its new Xbox video game console to market last Nov. 15. The system helped slice about two months off the original production schedule. In one case, Microsoft decided that a metal bracket for holding the disk drive in place was too heavy, so it replaced it with a plastic one that was several ounces lighter and stronger.
Step 1
Microsoft creates a 3-D design for the new part and, tapping into the system, tells Flextronics to make the change. The system automatically sends an e-mail alert to Flextronics' manufacturing and design teams.
Step 2
Flextronics engineers log on to the system, see the change order, and discuss it among themselves. They determine that the change doesn't cause any problems with manufacturing.
Step3
Microsoft makes a prototype of the part and discovers the bracket isn't a perfect fit. It e-mails Flextronics with some proposed changes to the design.
Step 4
Flextronics logs on and approves the changes. An e-mail alert is sent to the Flextronics unit that makes the plastic part.
Step 5
The parts people see the e-mail, log on to the system, and approve the change. The manufacturer modifies its tooling machines and builds a new version in two weeks.
Step 6
Microsoft makes another prototype, tests it, and approves the part to go into full production.
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Copyright 2002 , by The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved.
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