{"id":23987,"date":"2024-09-26T13:34:52","date_gmt":"2024-09-26T10:34:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fractory.com\/?p=23987"},"modified":"2024-11-08T17:10:13","modified_gmt":"2024-11-08T15:10:13","slug":"target-costing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fractory.com\/target-costing\/","title":{"rendered":"Target Costing: A Blueprint for Procurement Engineers"},"content":{"rendered":"
Achieving cost efficiency while delivering high-quality engineered solutions is essential for success. Target costing is a strategic approach that integrates cost management into both product design and development, ensuring that products are not only technically sound but also competitively priced<\/strong>. By employing a target pricing strategy from the outset, companies can manage costs more effectively and enhance their overall profitability.<\/p>\n Target costing strategies ensure that cost management is embedded into the design process from the start. Unlike traditional costing approaches that determine costs after the design phase, target costing begins with the end price in mind<\/strong>. This involves setting a target selling price based on market research and desired profit margins, then working backward to determine the maximum allowable cost that will still enable the desired price and top profit margin.<\/p>\n Target Cost = Market Price – Desired Profit Margin<\/strong><\/p>\n This formula helps businesses align their product design and production costs with the target pricing strategy, ensuring that the final product meets the competitive price expectations and desired profit margins. By setting a target cost early, companies can avoid costly design changes and better manage their production costs throughout the product development cycle.<\/p>\n For engineered solutions, target costing involves a precise focus on balancing cost, functionality, and quality. The target costing process ensures that the final product or service used meets both customer expectations and financial objectives. Here\u2019s how target costing can be applied to engineered products:<\/p>\n Market Research:<\/strong> Begin by conducting thorough market research to determine the competitive market price and the amount customers are willing to pay for the proposed product. This research helps establish a realistic target selling price that aligns with market conditions and customer expectations.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Cost Goal Setting:<\/strong> Using the target selling price and desired profit margin, calculate the maximum cost that the product can afford. This maximum cost serves as a benchmark for design and manufacturing decisions, ensuring alignment with the target pricing strategy and overall profitability goals.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Design Optimisation:<\/strong> Engineers must focus on optimising the product design<\/a> from concept generation<\/a> to final delivery to meet the target cost without compromising on performance or quality. This might involve Design to Cost (DTC)<\/a> and value engineering techniques to identify cost-saving opportunities, such as selecting cost-effective materials or simplifying and fool-proofing the design<\/a> to reduce production costs and errors.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Supplier Collaboration:<\/strong> Effective collaboration with suppliers is crucial for achieving the target costs for components and materials. By working closely with suppliers, companies can negotiate better terms, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure that components meet both quality and cost requirements.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Continuous Monitoring:<\/strong> Throughout the design and development cycle, it is essential to monitor costs regularly to ensure that the project remains within the target cost. This involves tracking expenses, evaluating cost-saving measures, and making adjustments as needed to stay aligned with the final target cost. An often-overlooked area in cost control is tail spend<\/a> – those low-value, one-off purchases that collectively impact budgets.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n Integrating the target price into the product development cycle involves several key considerations:<\/p>\n Design Phase:<\/strong> During the design phase, target costing requires engineers to balance technical requirements with cost constraints. This may involve iterative design adjustments to ensure that the product meets both performance and cost objectives.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Value Analysis and Value Engineering:<\/strong> Implementing value analysis and value engineering<\/a> techniques can help identify cost-saving opportunities and optimise product design. These approaches focus on improving the value of the product by enhancing functionality while reducing costs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Life Cycle Costing:<\/strong> Consider life cycle costing to evaluate the total cost of ownership, including initial production costs, maintenance<\/a>, and disposal costs. This comprehensive approach helps in setting realistic target costs and ensuring long-term profitability.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n External Factors:<\/strong> Be aware of external factors such as market changes, regulatory requirements, and supply chain disruptions<\/a> that can impact the target cost. Proactive cost planning and flexibility in design can help mitigate these risks.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n What Is Target Costing?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Formula for Target Costing:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Target Costing in Engineered Solutions<\/h2>\n
Steps in Target Costing for Engineered Products<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Incorporating Target Costing into Product Development<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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