Manufacturing and product development in the USA, in particular in the Los Angeles Basin and the strategic training and implementation of high manufacturing technology

“The battle is won in the strategy room, not on the battlefield.” These words by Sun Tzu are certainly very important for the implementation of new technologies, such as solid freeform manufacturing (SFM). Experiences of strategies to incorporate these systems to the “manufacturing battlefield” will be discussed and suggestions given for the efficient use by employees. Looks, for example, at IPPD training strategy at McDonnell Douglas Aerospace and outlines the eight modules involved in their training. Focuses also on training in rapid prototyping outlining the various elements involved.