STRATEGIC MECHANICAL ENGINEERING: HOW SMART TOOL DESIGN REDUCES COSTS AND INCREASES EFFICIENCY

Abstract

Strategic mechanical engineering plays a pivotal role in enhancing manufacturing performance by aligning design decisions with production goals. A key area where this alignment generates high-impact results is the intelligent design of tools used in manufacturing systems. This paper examines how smart tool design, grounded in principles of design for manufacturability (DFM) and lean engineering, contributes to cost reduction and efficiency improvement. Drawing on academic literature and industrial case studies, it outlines the strategic benefits of integrating engineering design with production planning and highlights emerging trends in digital simulation and additive manufacturing that are reshaping tooling strategies.