Collaborative Engineering Environments. Two Examples of Process Improvement

Companies are recognising that innovative processes are determining factors in competitiveness. Two examples from projects in aircraft development describe the introduction of collaborative engineering environments as a way to improve engineering processes. A multi-disciplinary simulation environment integrates models from all disciplines involved in a common functional structure. Quick configuration for specific design problems and powerful feedback / visualisation capabilities enable engineering teams to concentrate on the integrated behaviour of the design. An engineering process management system allows engineering teams to work concurrently in tasks, following a defined flow of activities, applying tools on a shared database. Automated management of workspaces including data consistency enables engineering teams to concentrate on the design activities. The huge amount of experience in companies must be transformed for effective application in engineering processes. Compatible concepts, notations and implementation platforms make tangible knowledge like models and algorithms accessible. Computer-based design management makes knowledge on engineering processes and methods explicit

Engineering Workflow: The Process in Product Data Technology

The prevailing paradigm for enterprises in the new decade is undoubtedly speed. This enterprise view is driven by the availability of e-business technology that enables new forms of collaboration between companies. The rapid developments in e-business also have an impact on the future of engineering organizations. This paper focuses on the early phases of a product’s life cycle, i.e. between initial concept and release to manufacturing. New engineering workflow capabilities are presented, that have been tailored to speed up the engineering of new products

Collaborative Engineering Environments. Two Examples of Process Improvement

Companies are recognising that innovative processes are determining factors in competitiveness. Two examples from projects in aircraft development describe the introduction of collaborative engineering environments as a way to improve engineering processes. A multi-disciplinary simulation environment integrates models from all disciplines involved in a common functional structure. Quick configuration for specific design problems and powerful feedback / visualisation capabilities enable engineering teams to concentrate on the integrated behaviour of the design. An engineering process management system allows engineering teams to work concurrently in tasks, following a defined flow of activities, applying tools on a shared database. Automated management of workspaces including data consistency enables engineering teams to concentrate on the design activities. The huge amount of experience in companies must be transformed for effective application in engineering processes. Compatible concepts, notations and implementation platforms make tangible knowledge like models and algorithms accessible. Computer-based design management makes knowledge on engineering processes and methods explicit