1.
Teardown benchmarking

Of Customer's & Competitor's Vehicles

2.
Should Costing

Of Customer's & Competitor's Vehicles

3.
Cost Reduction Idea Generation

By analyzing cost gaps between customer's and competitor's vehicles.

benchmarking-image-showing-car-and-truck-by-advanced-structures-india

Inaccurate should-costing

Makes cost comparison unreliable and weakens negotiation leverage.

Scattered data across teams

Prevents a single, aligned view of cost drivers.

Limited process-level breakdown

Prevents deep visibility into how cost builds up part by part.

Poor idea tracking across projects

Excel or manual tools cause loss of ideas and lack of follow-through.

Part Measurement Data

ASI Engineering tears down your vehicle and the competitor vehicle side by side. Every part is scanned, measured, and digitally mapped using high-resolution tools. Wall thickness, feature depth, and projected area are captured for both sets of parts and pushed into xcPEP. This gives us a clean, structured view of how geometry choices impact cost. When a competitor uses less material or avoids secondary operations, xcPEP highlights that exact region—pinpointing how and where your design can be optimised to reduce cost.

Accurate Raw Material Identification

Material samples from both vehicles are lab tested by ASI Engineering using XRF, density checks, and chemical analysis. We do not rely on assumed grades or supplier claims. Every confirmed grade is linked to regional prices from xcPROC inside xcPEP. The material cost delta is no longer a guess. It becomes a clear, actionable gap. If the competitor achieves similar strength with a lower cost alloy or polymer, we show you exactly how much you can save by switching.

Detailed Manufacturing Process Calculation

For each part, ASI Engineering models the real manufacturing route including stamping, molding, welding, machining, and painting. We enter exact parameters into xcPEP such as tool life, scrap, OEE, and cycle time for both vehicles. Instead of generic estimates, we compare true process logic to uncover cost drivers. If the competitor builds the same part using fewer steps or a faster process, xcPEP shows you the exact value of making the same change.

Machine Identification & MHR Calculation

Our team maps the actual machine class used for each operation including tonnage, power, and capability. xcPEP calculates machine hour cost from capital, energy, and maintenance. This lets us compare what machine the competitor would use versus yours. If the competitor part is built on a more efficient setup, we show the cost saving you can realise by making a similar shift.

Labour Skill Identification & LHR Calculation

ASI Engineering identifies the actual skill level and manpower needed for each process step. Using xcPROC regional wage data, xcPEP calculates the labour hour cost for both vehicles. Where the competitor uses fewer operators or a simpler join method, the savings are visible. This helps your team understand where labour complexity is adding cost and what process simplifications are possible.

Actual Logistics Calculation

We model the exact packaging style, stack density, and transport route for each part. xcPEP simulates cost based on load fill, distance, and duty for both sourcing cases. If the competitor has reduced freight cost by localising a supplier or optimising packaging, the platform quantifies the benefit so you can adopt a similar strategy.

Currency Exchange Impact

For any globally sourced part, xcPEP applies current exchange rates and associated charges. This allows ASI Engineering to isolate how much of your cost delta is driven by currency exposure. Where competitors have lower volatility or better cost control through localisation, we surface that insight as a savings opportunity.

Realistic Overhead Assumption

Overheads like setup time, quality checks, and indirect manpower are calculated from actual hours, not percentages. xcPEP breaks down each component of overhead for your part and the competitor part. ASI Engineering shows which overheads are inflating cost and how the competitor avoids them. This gives you a clear target for efficiency gains.

Updated & Precise Raw Material Rates

xcPROC continuously tracks live raw material prices across steel, aluminum, copper, polymers, and specialty alloys. ASI Engineering links every confirmed grade to the right price band for your sourcing region and the competitor region. This lets xcPEP calculate a clean material cost delta, isolating whether your gap is driven by grade choice, density, or market volatility.

Precise Machine Database

Machine hour rates in xcPROC are built from capital cost, operating life, cycle time, maintenance burden, and energy consumption. ASI Engineering assigns the appropriate machine class to each operation for both your part and the benchmark part. xcPEP then calculates the true machine cost based on plant-level utilisation, making equipment efficiency a transparent part of the cost comparison.

Precise Labour Hour Rates

Labour cost is calculated using actual regional wage structures, including base pay, allowances, benefits, and shift premiums. For each process step, ASI Engineering defines the required skill level and crew size. xcPEP uses this to compute labour cost for both your part and the competitor part, exposing any cost advantage due to reduced manpower or simpler operation logic

xcPEP

Cost Engineering SaaS

xcPROC

Cost Database for Should Costing

Engineering Channels

 

Commercial Channels

Decontent

Remove features not present in the competitor part that do not affect function

Alternate Material

Use a more cost effective material that still meets design and performance targets

Alternate Manufacturing Process

Switch to a lower cost process that the competitor uses to achieve the same output

Complexity Joineries

Simplify part interfaces or joining methods to cut assembly cost and time

Routing & Packaging

Optimise layout or harness path to match more efficient competitor designs

Coatings

Reduce over-spec finishing and use coatings aligned to the competitor's durability standard

Alternate Supplier

Identify alternate sources already delivering the target cost for equivalent quality

Should Cost vs PO Price

Compare xcPEP should cost with supplier quote to reveal exact negotiation gap

Make vs Buy

Model cost difference between insourcing and outsourcing.

ASI
Management Consultants
Uses Real Part Cost Data
Deploys Software You Can Use
End goal - Onboard you on xcPEP & xcPROC
Trains Your Internal Teams
Wants to Sell More Projects
Primary Goal is Cost Reduction

Automotive Cost Lab

Set up your own Should Costing Lab with xcPEP. ASI migrates your data, runs initial projects, trains your team, and hands over a fully functional lab.