Detailed Design

Detailed Design is the engineering process of taking an approved concept architecture and resolving every part, feature, dimension, tolerance, material, and interface to a level that production can build. It is where 3D models, drawings or MBD datasets, BOMs, and analysis evidence reach release maturity.

Scope

Activities include parametric modeling, large-assembly definition, GD&T application, tolerance stack-ups, design-for-manufacturing/assembly reviews, supplier alignment on critical features, and analysis-driven sign-off. Detailed design is where most engineering hours are spent and where PLM discipline — release control, change management, configuration baselines — earns its keep.

Relationships (see sidebar)

• Realizes Product Quality and Time to Market.
• Supported by logical capabilities such as CAD 3D Design, CAD Assembly, GD&T, PMI Annotations, Model-Based Definition, and Tolerance Analysis.
• Preceded by Concept Design; hands off to Prototyping and Validation.