It is becoming more common that an automation device requiring extremely high performance (quality, cost, and delivery) must be developed in the concurrent engineering approach, meaning that the products and the automation device are developed in parallel. This volume explains the process of adopting innovative technology.

(1) Improved technology and innovative technology

- The improved technology refers to a technology realizing the improved performance, which was developed by extending the automation element technology that has already been utilized in a similar automation device and proven effective in the actual practice.

- The innovative technology refers to a technology requiring technological development accompanied by solving new issues prior to adopting it in automation devices, as it was never utilized in a similar automation device although the fundamental technology exists.

- In this case example, technological development is carried out by distinguishing the improved technology from the innovative technology as described in the following table.

(2) Development policy to realize opposite performance

- To realize the opposite performance in the concurrent engineering approach, it is essential to predict possible technological risks during the planning stage, while setting up a series of tasks assigned to related personnel from the planning, design, to production phase in a simple and consistent manner.

- To make this happen, the development management must be enforced in line with the development policies described hereinafter.

< Development policy example for adopting innovative technology >

1. Minimize the overall risks by keeping the innovative technology involving unknown factors to 30% or less.
2. Do not mix the improved technology with the innovative technology in the components of each development technology.
3. Focus on the development of the innovative technology.
4. To utilize the innovative technology into practical application, follow the consistent approach.