Product Cost Management Software Improves Cost Models

The latest release of the aPriori enterprise cost management platform features more detailed cost estimating and more flexible controls to support internal cost management, as well as strategic sourcing and collaboration with suppliers. According to the company, aPriori 2015 R1 provides users with greater control to fine-tune cost estimates for products and parts as well as supplier capabilities.

The software includes enhanced user management and access control with flexible, rules-based management of enterprise users to expand usage while complying with security requirements. Calculation of cost overhead has been improved with baseline cost estimates that calculate material; direct and indirect overhead; and selling, general and administrative expenses to provide a more accurate starting point for estimating purchased components. The software is said to offer highly granular control over cost inputs to reflect distinct aspects of products, parts and suppliers.

User-guided cost models enable users to cost components made via progressive die, stage tooling, turret press and injection molding, as well as other components that do not have CAD models. In addition, the machining cost model has been improved to enable out-of-the-box costing for a wider variety of parts with turned features. The model includes workpieces made from square or rectangular bars with turned features such as shafts, boxes and holes; down-hole components with off-center bores; and machining castings and forgings with turned features in non-parallel directions.