Cost estimation for product components based on virtual configuration

In view of difficulties in traditional quotation methods on cost estimation for unknown modules, method of cost estimation for product components based on Virtual Configuration (VC) was put forward. Based on the defining concept of Virtual Subassembly (VS), product in VC was divided into configurable components and non-configurable components called VS. Cost estimation for product components mainly lied in the cost estimation of VS. Then, virtual items were generated through re-designing the structure and coding of VS, and process knowledge update simultaneously when process cards were generated through process-generating by process template. Finally, the cost of VS was calculated according to new-driven process cards, and reliable basis for product quotation was provided by calculating the total cost of product components. As a result, this method was applied in the quotation system of elevator, and the accuracy of product quotation was improved remarkably.