The component-oriented approach towards complex product development

This paper proposes a new approach towards complex product development. The approach is based on the software component mechanism. A software component is a reusable software package which can run across heterogeneous platforms. This paper presents a Component-based Open System Architecture, in which the design of a product component is implemented into a software component. The product component data and operation methods are exposed and can be reused by others. The Collaborative Product Representation Model is proposed to represent the product component in this environment. It is a neutral, understandable, customizable and reusable model with selfmanagement capability, The Product Model Processor helps to define this complex model data.