# Trade Study

> Structured skill for conducting engineering trade studies

- Skill: `a5c-ai/trade-study` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add a5c-ai/trade-study`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/a5c-ai/trade-study/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: a5c-ai (https://skillmd.com/u/a5c-ai)
- Updated: 2026-09-09
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/a5c-ai/trade-study

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# Trade Study Methodology Skill

## Purpose
Enable structured engineering trade studies for design decisions including criteria definition, alternatives evaluation, and sensitivity analysis.

## Capabilities
- Trade study framework setup
- Weighted criteria definition
- Alternatives generation support
- Quantitative scoring methods
- Sensitivity analysis execution
- Pugh matrix implementation
- Decision documentation
- Stakeholder input integration

## Usage Guidelines
- Define clear objectives and constraints before starting trade study
- Involve stakeholders in criteria weighting
- Generate diverse alternatives to explore solution space
- Use consistent scoring methodology across alternatives
- Perform sensitivity analysis on key parameters
- Document rationale and assumptions for decision record

## Dependencies
- Decision analysis tools
- Spreadsheets
- Requirements management integration

## Process Integration
- AE-020: Trade Study Methodology