There are various aspects to that. For example, I recently took over a project, where the hardware part needs to be cost optimised. Basically, when the product

There are various aspects to that. For example, I recently took over a project, where the hardware part needs to be cost optimised. Basically, when the product was put together, two elements pushed the cost higher than I'd like: 1) Both software and hardware teams like using the best components possible, without necessarily putting enough thought into the target market, which the product is serving. I'm not saying that the product should be as cheap as possible, compromising on quality, but there needs to be a ceiling, depending on the market requirements. 2) Not enough thought was put into the most efficient structuring of the supply chain, resulting in unnecessarily high shipment and tax expenses. So, the first exercise was very much similar to what you're describing - go through the bill of materials and one by one try to identify any cost savings. This is causing some loss of happiness (treading on people's toes, having to push for different solutions, in their eyes compromising on quality) but is necessary in making a better product.