Improved product design would make manufacturing products less expensive than outsourcing to countries like China, according to a recent benchmarking study.

The authors suggest that U.S. companies should do a better job of integrating cost analysis into product design. With rigorous cost analysis as a foundation for product design, domestic manufacturers would be able to develop innovative products that are more economical in the United States.

The study, co-authored by Nicholas P. Dewhurst and David G. Meeker, says it can be more advantageous for U.S. manufacturers to lower costs by redesigning products rather than by outsourcing production. The study shows this practice saves money and jobs in many instances.

To support this idea, Dewhurst and Meeker identify two principles of best design practices:

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