Ellen from Engineering believes we use a higher Discount Rate because of the risk of this type of project. As such, she is recommending a 5-year project life and flat annual savings. Ellen suggests that even though the equipment is brand new, the updated production process could have a negative impact on other parts of the overall manufacturing costs. She argues that, while it is difficult to quantify the potential negative impacts, to account for the risk, a 14% discount rate should be used. 4. Peter, the Product Manager, is convinced the new capability will allow better control of quality and on-time delivery, and that it will last longer than 5 years. He recommends using a 7 Year Equipment Life (which means a 7-year project and savings life), flat annual savings, 10% discount rate. In other words, assume that the machine will last 2 more years and deliver 2 more years of savings. Peter also feels the equipment will have an estimated terminal value of $15,000 at the end of its 7-year useful life.