Real-Time Cost Estimator
A "Live Price Tag" that updates as you design. Prevents margin shock and enables Design-to-Cost from Day 1.
The Problem
Costing is currently done after the design is frozen ("Static Should-Costing"), meaning it's too late to fix expensive choices without massive rework. Should-cost analysis occurs too late in the process, when design changes are expensive or impossible.
What It Does
Material Costing
Instantly calculates raw material cost based on volume/weight (e.g., Aluminum vs. Steel).
Process Estimator
Identifies the primary manufacturing method (Milling, Turning, Casting) and estimates machine hours.
Cost Alerts
Triggers a warning if the estimated unit cost exceeds the target budget before it's too late.
Cost Drivers Breakdown
Shows exactly where your costs come from (e.g., "80% of your cost is from this one complex feature").
Input
- 3D STEP Files
- BOM Excel Files
Output
- Estimated Unit Price
- Cost Drivers Breakdown
"We catch the $50,000 mistake when it's still just a $0 line on a computer screen."