Front end of an engineering design

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of "front end engineering design," with participants exploring its meaning and application in the context of a specific project involving a machine. The scope includes conceptual clarification and technical explanation related to engineering design reports.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the term "front end engineering design" and seeks clarification on its meaning and requirements.
  • Another participant suggests that "front end" could refer to a computer program for controlling a device, indicating the term may have multiple interpretations.
  • A participant speculates that they might need to compile a report on how to design a program for the machine, highlighting uncertainty about the project's goals.
  • One contributor proposes a non-professional approach of gathering relevant information and organizing it, suggesting this could help clarify the project's objectives.
  • Another participant, drawing from their experience, describes "front end design" as a high-level design that does not involve detailed calculations or components, emphasizing its focus on feasibility and layout.
  • There is a suggestion that the term may be more commonly used in British engineering contexts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the exact meaning of "front end engineering design," with multiple interpretations and uncertainties expressed throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in understanding the specific requirements of the project due to a lack of official clarification. The discussion also reflects varying interpretations of the term "front end" and its application in engineering design.

Tyst
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Hi, I was wondering if anyone here knows (and could tell me) how to put together a front end engineering design. I've been asked to create one, have no idea what it is and so far google has been no help!

Thanks
 
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The term "front end" can mean a computer program for controlling a device. But there could be more meanings and a better explanation. I hope you were given more direction than just that...
 
Thank you Russ, I have been looking into how a particular machine works, and been asked to compile my findings into a front end engineering design report. I was initially thinking that 'front end' was just a non-standard reporting style, but perhaps i was wrong. Could i be being asked to put together a report on how to design a program to run the machine? Unfortunately i can't get official clarification for at least a week and i would like to have started, well... yesterday. Any further insights?
 
I have no idea about what they want, either. My (totally non-professional) approach would be to start gathering as much information as possible that is relevant to the project and make notes. Organize whatever you come up with in a manner that makes sense to you. That way, you have a head-start when you finally get confirmation of what the goal is.
 
I have never heard the term used in anything other than software packages , like Russ mentioned. However, after reading what you just wrote, it sounds to me like they just want a report on the overall workings of the machine. Perhaps the "front end" here is referring to the top level of the assembly and how it is interfaced with.
 
A "front end design" is a high-level design of a product; more usually of a system. Depending on the brief, it may show the layout of a processing plant, the key operating mechanisms of a machine, or a packaging layout of a consumer product.

While it may prove such issues as feasibility, scale, dimension, concept, cost etc, it doesn't get involved with the 'nuts and bolts' of the product, any in-depth calculations (other than to prove the basic premise), or detail of individual components/subsystems.

So you might have have a front end design of an overall product, then perhaps system schemes, then assembly drawings, then detailed component drawings.

It must be a British term!
 
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Thank you everyone, helpful as can be :D
 

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