What is typically included in an engineering change order (ECO)?

An engineering change order (ECO) is a formal document used in engineering and manufacturing processes that reflects the necessary changes or modifications to a product or system design. It typically includes a clear and detailed description of the proposed design modifications, which is essential for communicating changes to the engineering team, management, and other stakeholders involved in the project.

By documenting the modifications in a structured manner, the ECO ensures there is a shared understanding of the changes, including the reasons for the modification, potential impacts on production, cost implications, and timelines for implementation. This organized approach allows for better project management and helps maintain compliance with industry standards and regulations.

The other options, while relevant in different contexts, do not specifically pertain to the purpose of an ECO. A market analysis report and a sales forecast are more focused on the commercial aspects of product development and marketing, rather than design changes. A history of past design changes, while informative, serves different documentation and review purposes rather than detailing new proposed changes. Therefore, the inclusion of a formal request with proposed design modifications is the key characteristic of an ECO.