System and method for design of a component

A system comprising:

• a code stored on a computer readable medium, that when executed by a computer is configured to provide:
• a first user interface configured to receive design information for a component from a designer;
• a second user interface configured to receive manufacturing information from a plurality of manufacturers;
• and
• an estimation module configured to:
• produce generated manufacturing information for the component and design modification information for the component, wherein the generated manufacturing information and the design modification information are based on the manufacturing information received from the plurality of manufacturers;
• and
• generate a manufacturing cost estimate wherein the manufacturing cost estimate is at least partly based on a payment history associated with the designer and on the manufacturing information received from the plurality of manufacturers.

A method comprising:

• receiving design information for a component;
• receiving manufacturing information from a plurality of manufacturers, wherein the manufacturing information includes material cost information and process cost information;
• identifying one or more qualified manufacturers from the plurality of manufacturers based on the design information and the received manufacturing information;
• and
• producing, using a computer, generated manufacturing information for a qualified manufacturer based on the manufacturing information associated with the qualified manufacturer, wherein the generated manufacturing information includes at least a manufacturing cost estimate and a lead time estimate, wherein the manufacturing cost estimate is at least partly based on a payment history associated with the designer.

A method comprising:

• receiving, from a designer via an electronic network, design information that defines a component;
• generating, using a computer, an estimate for a manufacturer to produce the component, wherein:
• the estimate (a) is based on manufacturing information received from the manufacturer, and (b) includes a manufacturing cost estimate wherein the manufacturing cost estimate is further based on a payment history associated with the designer, and
• the manufacturing information is received from the manufacturer before the design information is received from the designer;
• providing the manufacturing cost estimate to the designer in the form of a binding quotation;
• receiving a quotation acceptance from the designer;
• and
• providing the manufacturer with an order to produce the component.