Concept level Design ?

Hi All

I am involved in the design and development of industrial wasteprocessing equipment.
Our typical work process is to explore a whole lot of concepts forachieving a goal, ofter this will involve a number of existingcomponents, some vendor supplied components, some sheetmetalcomponents (that we would manufacture), some framing, motors,gearboxes, electrical control components, and hydraulic systems.

Once we have settled on a design, a 'master' assembly is producedwith all of the detail required for manufacture.

I am looking to streamline the way we represent concepts insolidworks, and the way we transition from concept level design todetailed design.

What sort of methods/tools are people using during there conceptlevel design, and how do these transition into the detailed designphase of projects?

SolidworksAssemblies