This paper presents a newly defined set-based concurrent engineering process,
which the authors believe addresses some of the key challenges faced by
engineering enterprises in the 21st century. The main principles of Set-Based
Concurrent Engineering (SBCE) have been identified via an extensive literature
review. Based on these principles the SBCE baseline model was developed. The
baseline model defines the stages and activities which represent the product
development process to be employed in the LeanPPD (lean product and process
development) project. The LeanPPD project is addressing the needs of European
manufacturing companies for a new model that extends beyond lean manufacturing,
and incorporates lean thinking in the product design development process
