Benchmarking
Benchmarking:
Introduction:
Any product which comes in the market goes through the cycle of Ideation, Design, Feasibility Analysis, Production Quality and shipping.
Ideation:
Ideation is a creative process in which the Product Designer generates ideas. The solutions are formulated via Sketching, Prototyping, Brainstorming, Worst Idea and other Ideation Techniques.
Design:
Design is the basic plan or the method of implementation of the product. First the basic sketch is generated on paper and it is then modeled in a Computer Aided Design (CAD) Modeling Sodtware. The model can be further analyzed in a Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) Software which reveals any flaws or mistakes in the design via the simulations which are not evident from the basic product design.
Feasibility Analysis:
It is a Design Validation Process which depicts the efficiency of the designed product, the objectives and the final goals of the product.
Production Quality:
It is a process in which the final product or prototype is analyzed based on the Feedback of the end user. It makes sure that the quality and its standard is maintained.
Shipping:
It refers to the movement of the final product from the manufacturing unit/ shop to the end user.
Considering all these aspects, some questions which arise are:
How to improve the product?
Which new features should be added or removed from the product?
Benchmarking answers these questions.
The basic meaning of Benchmarking is evaluating the pre-existing product by comparison with a known standard. In simple terms, it is the study of the product by Reverse Engineering.
Reverse Engineering:
Reverse engineering is a process in which the existing product is analyzed and a new product is manufactured using the collected data. As CAD has become more popular, reverse engineering has become a viable method to create a 3D virtual model of an existing physical part for use in 3D CAD, CAM, CAE or other software. The reverse-engineering process involves measuring an object and then reconstructing it as a 3D model. The physical object can be measured using 3D Scanning and the measured data is used for the creation or advancement of the new product.
Benchmarking is Automobile Industry:
The car of the competitors Automobile industry is used for comparison and analysis by breaking down the study of the final car. The car components are 3D Scanned and stored in the computers, they are further anaysed by numerical methods (CFD Simulations) or Experimental Tests. Certain Benchmarking Companies exists which help in the proper analysis process of the standard car.
Steps in Benchmarking:
1. Auto-Feature:
It refers to the process of improving the features of the model by creation of database for machine learning. In car Industry the Features like Car Interior are analyzed by simulations as well as Mannequin models to test for the comfort of the car.
2. 3D Scanning:
The surfaces of the cars are scanned by using a 3D scanner. It acquires the data necessary for the redesign and reconstruction of the car. The points are scanned and converted into a STL (Standard Triangulation Language) File format.
3. Auto Reverse:
In this process each component is further analyzed for better improvements. The important part of this step is the Bill of Materials (BOM). The BOM is a list of the materials, components and process steps to manufacture the car. It helps in lowering the cost of the basic car model, better optimisation and targetting a new supplier of the raw materials.
4. Lighting:
It refers to the analysis of lighting system to test for the luminosity with a standard car.
5. Electrical Architecture and Electronics:
In this step detailed analysis is done regarding the wires, connectors and PCB Components is performed. These power electronics are studied and a database is created for improvements in the Automotive models.
Advantages of Benchmarking:
1. Provides an estimate which depicts the performance of the car as compared to the competitor.
2. Helps to find the areas in the car which needs improvement.
3. Develops a standard for the car design and Brand.
Case Study:
Benchmark with presently available cars in the market for the following case:
Mr. D.S. Pughazhyendhii is a married man who lives in Bangalore which is a highly crowded city. His Family comprises five members including his wife, five-year-old boy, his father, and his mother. He visits his native place Madurai which is 500kms away from Bangalore once in a month. Also, he will be using his car to commute to his office. His budget falls between 8 to 10 lakhs on road. Please suggest to him with options so that he will buy a good car for his family.
Note: Pughazhyendhii is fond of big cars
Top 5 Cars For Mr. D.S. Pughazhyendhii:
5. Skoda Rapid
Basic Specifications:
The Skoda New Rapid has 1 Petrol Engine on offer. The Petrol engine is 999 cc . It is available with the Automatic & Manual transmission. Depending upon the variant and fuel type the New Rapid has a mileage of 16.24 to 18.97 kmpl. The New Rapid is a 5 seater and has length of 4413mm, width of 1699mm and a wheelbase of 2552mm.
Pros:
1. Exceptional Power Delivery:
This car has six-speed manual transmission which will help in smooth performance on the crowded streets of Bangalore and daily drives. The all-new 1.0-litre turbo-petrol, the three-cylinder motor, makes about 110bhp and a comparatively healthy and safe 175Nm of torque.
2. Energetic Handling:
There is significantly enough response transmitted to ensure giving the mettle for pushing the car to its limits without having to break a sweat. Thus, whether Mr. Pughazhyendhii is jiggling his way through a tighter enclosure or parking his car, he can do so with utmost comfort.
3. Large Boot:
The boot of the car is comparatively spacious. The car's boot space unquestionably has a lot of room. One can easily fit in three medium-sized suitcases, along with other accessories in the boot space. Thus, if Mr. Pughazhyendhii chooses to visit his native place in Madurai he has a lot of space to safely carry his luggage.
4. Sophisticated Cabin:
The car is spacious and all the 5 members including the kids and the adults can be conviniently seated.
Cons:
1. Outdated looks:
The looks of this car are outdated and wont satisfy the likes of Mr. Pughazhyendhii if he is a fond of big and latest cars.
2. Stiff Suspension:
The car has a stiff suspension and the driver has to settle for lower speeds. For long distance travel slower speeds will increase the travel time and the ride can get bumpy sometimes.
4. Honda Amaze
Basic Specifications:
The Honda Amaze has 1 Diesel Engine and 1 Petrol Engine on offer. The Diesel engine is 1498 cc while the Petrol engine is 1199 cc . It is available with the Manual & Automatic transmission. Depending upon the variant and fuel type the Amaze has a mileage of 18.3 to 24.7 kmpl. The Amaze is a 5 seater and has length of 3995mm, width of 1695mm and a wheelbase of 2470mm.
Pros:
1. Comfortable ride:
This car offers a comfortable ride and a noiseless suspension even on broken or bumpy roads.
2. Better space:
Improved space suitable for the spacious seating of the 5 family members including the driver. Convenient space to carry the luggage and one litre water bottle holders on all doors.
3. Comfortable seats:
Comfortable seats front and rear, no issues seating tall passengers behind each other.
4. Safety features:
Long standard safety equipment list - ABS+EBD, dual airbags, ELR seatbelts, ISOFIX anchor points.
Cons:
1. Fit issues:
Honda Amaze has Fit and Finish issues and the cost cutting is evident.
2. Petrol Car:
Petrol is expensive when compared to diesel and adds to the running cost of the car over the years.
3. Tata Nexon
Basic Specifications:
The Tata Nexon has 2 Diesel Engine and 1 Petrol Engine on offer. The Diesel engine is 1497 cc and 1499 cc while the Petrol engine is 1199 cc . It is available with the Manual & Automatic transmission. Depending upon the variant and fuel type the Nexon has a mileage of . The Nexon is a 5 seater and has length of 3993mm, width of 1811mm and a wheelbase of 2498mm.
Pros:
1. Good looks:
This car has luxurious looks and is good option for Mr. Pughazhyendhii if he is fond of big cars.
2. Impressive Ride Quality:
The manufacturer has tuned its suspension to take on our unpredictable road conditions without any hassle. The family members will be most comfortable as the Nexon absorbs all thunks and thuds from potholes and broken roads, while also being stable over undulations.
3. Easy-to-drive with good handling:
The Nexon's steering now provides a better feel and feedback with improved handling as well. It weighs up adequately and feels precise with instant response to the turn-in provided.
4. Feature-packed:
This top-spec XZ(O) variant is handsomely packed with many features. This 2020 Nexon continues with equipment like projector lamps, LED DRLs, LED tail lamps, engine push-start button, touchscreen infotainment system, automatic climate control, cruise control, etc.
5. Safety:
Also, it's not just for the tremendous road presence, but the Nexon has been appreciated for its tough construction as well. The quality of materials used do give it a built-to-last feel. Besides, its robust underpinnings have proved its solid build quality over time. Gladly, the new one also continues to boast of a five-star NCAP safety rating ensuring owners and prospective buyers of a very safe car.
Cons:
1. Engine Performance:
his up-rated turbocharged petrol motor is quite powerful than the one in the older model. However, the jump from 109bhp to 118bhp isn't quite evident from the word go. This mill does take a fair bit of time for the turbo to spool up and power is delivered quite linearly. It's only post 2,000rpm when the motor wakes up and helps the car make progress.
2. Petrol car:
Petrol is expensive when compared to diesel and adds to the running cost of the car over the years.
2. Maruti Vitara Brezza
Basic Specifications:
The Maruti Vitara Brezza has 1 Petrol Engine on offer. The Petrol engine is 1462 cc . It is available with the Manual & Automatic transmission. Depending upon the variant and fuel type the Vitara Brezza has a mileage of 17.03 to 18.76 kmpl. The Vitara Brezza is a 5 seater and has length of 3995mm, width of 1790mm and a wheelbase of 2500mm.
Pros:
1. Fuel Efficient:
Maruti offers Vitara Brezza with the 1.3 Litre MJD diesel engine that churns out 89bhp of power and a peak torque of 200Nm. This engine provides the best in class mileage, which is 24.3kmpl. It is higher than any of the other models in the same platform, Ford Ecosport offers a fuel efficiency of 22kmpl and Duster has a mileage of just 17kmpl.
2. Low Maintenance cost:
One need not talk about the maintenance cost and service charges of Maruti Suzuki products in India. The company is known for its most efficient services and lowest maintenance cost. Being a diesel car, it is having higher chances of getting high maintenance but the company has done its best to make the car friendlier and have less maintenance.
Cons:
1. Petrol Engine:
Petrol is expensive when compared to diesel and adds to the running cost of the car over the years.
2. Old Looks:
This car has old looks and might not satisfy the needs of Mr. Pughazhyendhii as he is a fond of big cars.
1. Tata Altroz
Basic Specifications:
The Tata Altroz has 1 Diesel Engine and 1 Petrol Engine on offer. The Diesel engine is 1497 cc while the Petrol engine is 1199 cc . It is available with the Manual transmission. Depending upon the variant and fuel type the Altroz has a mileage of . The Altroz is a 5 seater and has length of 3990mm, width of 1755mm and a wheelbase of 2501mm.
Pros:
1. Safety:
The Altroz is indeed one of the safest premium hatchbacks out on sale in India at the moment. With a rating of 5 stars in the Global NCAP, the Altroz does go one up over the other competitors in the segment when it comes to the safety aspect. Additionally, a host of safety features is standard across all the variants of the Altroz. Some of these include ABS with EBD, CSC, ISOFIX mounts, dual airbags and impact sensing auto door unlock.
2. Efficient space:
This is another parameter where the Altroz scores over the rest of the competition. It not only has doors that have a very wide reach but also has an almost flat floor. The 5 member family can sit comfortably and the entering/exiting from the car is also convinient.
3. Diesel Car:
The Altroz was the first premium hatchback to come with a diesel engine that was complying with the BS6 emission norms. In fact, it is one of the 2 premium hatchbacks that actually offer a diesel powertrain. It comes with the 1.5 Revotorq diesel engine that puts out 90 PS of power and 200 Nm of torque. This engine is not only punchy but is very frugal as well.
4. Good Looks:
The Altroz is one of the better-looking premium hatches sold on the market today and there is no doubt about that. While the looks are very unique, they are not really polarising unlike some vehicles out in the market. The "Impact 2.0" design makes the car look upmarket when compared to the competition.
Cons:
1. Lack of Powertrain choices:
This continues to the biggest complaint since the Altroz got launched. The current 1.2 naturally aspirated 3 cylinder is absolutely underpowered and does not do justice to a car of this calibre.
2. Quality of the interior trim:
As much as we liked the exterior of the Altroz for its looks and build quality, we cannot say the same for the interior. The general quality of the interior trim is not that great and feels cheap. This is something that does not really do justice to the Gold standard of hatchbacks.
Conclusion:
After doing a comparison among all the top 5 cars I came to a conclusion that Tata Altroz is the best choice for Mr. Pughazhyendhii. This is a very dynamic car with not only good looks but very appealing safety features. The car is spacious and all the family members can sit comfortably. This is budget car with the best possible features at a reasonably good price. Tata Altroz is considered by many to be the best Hatchback car till date. This car has a Diesel engine as compared to the Petrol Engine which exists in the other cars in the list. This car has a decent mileage and is a good option to drive it on the crowded roads of the Bangalore city for daily usage. Apart from these features, this car has premium dashboard, good lighting features and an excellent music system. Buyers who cover large distances will also find a great match in the well-rounded Altroz diesel. Hence, considering the choices of Mr. Pughazhyendhii he should go for Tata Altroz.