The Problems with Traditional TDPs
Time-Consuming Set-up and Manual Updates
Traditional TDPs are cumbersome: consisting of extensive paper documents or static electronic files. Creating these packages is a labor-intensive process that requires meticulous attention to detail. For most engineering teams, this looks like a lot of CAD screenshots nestled in PowerPoint decks.
Take BISSELL Homecare, for example, their TDPs were so large and so manual, that they were crashing their internal systems.
Then, when there’s any changes in the design or specifications, engineers have to manually update every file across multiple versions, leading to significant time delays.
Communication Gaps Lead to Errors
When TDPs are scattered across various formats and locations, communication breakdowns are inevitable. Teams may work with outdated versions, misunderstand specifications, or overlook critical updates. These miscommunications can result in design flaws, production errors, and costly rework.
In fact, according to a recent study, 43% of all design feedback is never tracked nor addressed. This is because traditional TDPs just cannot keep pace with the speed of communication today.
Difficulty Collaborating Across Teams and Locations
Engineering teams are often dispersed across different geographical locations and therefore multiple timezones. Traditional TDPs hinder real-time collaboration, making it challenging for teams to coordinate efforts, share insights, and make collective decisions promptly.