Concurrent Engineering has been a buzz word for decades. I expect that there are dozens of similar terms for all types of development work. They all basically mean the same, relative to foresight and working as a team with the hopes of streamlining the Engineering design process. Within the design Engineering sector the onset of extremely powerful computers and software has made this process enormously easier. Perhaps it is best to look at it as a macro and micro perspective and it all has to happen in a concurrent fashion. From a micro sense, I’m speaking of all the engineering and design factions working as one; conceptualizing, designing and analyzing as one, targeted at producing a virtual prototype (computer simulation/model) that is indicative of the subject product or machine. From a macro sense, during this Engineering design process it is imperative that the Engineers keep in focus; risk, usability, fabrication, cost, marketing, etc.. Whether in a micro or macro sense, it is also important that the governing engineer establishes a level of effort required to satisfy the end objective and organizes and focuses appropriate resources. Knowing what capabilities are within each contributor’s wheelhouse is imperative to operating an effective and efficient team.