Integrating design in the project process

Current engineering design planning practice takes little account of the interdisciplinary, iterative nature of the process. This leads to a compromised design process containing inevitable cycles of rework together with associated time and cost penalties in both design and construction. The Analytical Design Planning Technique (ADePT) is a planning methodology which helps to overcome these difficulties. This paper describes the development and application of the technique. The technique can be applied as a risk identification and change management tool, as well as its primary purpose as a planning system. It also identifies co-ordination requirements and changes to design practices in achieving co-ordination. The benefits of using ADePT to integrate the project process are also described.