A COMPARISON OF APPROACHES TO CONCURRENT ENGINEERING

In this paper, various approaches to the successful implementation of concurrent engineering are presented. Approach I addresses the information and software requirements of an integrated manufacturing information system. Two sets of data requirements for the design of mechanical products are discussed. Approach 2 uses feature based design as the impetus behind CAD/CAM integration. A conceptual framework leading to the development of a knowledge-based management system (KBMS) is proposed. KBMS is capable of representing multiple and concurrent views of features. Approach 3 considers product design concerns from inception to disposal in a unified life cycle engineering (ULCE) environment. Approach 4 focuses on assembly as an integrative function of all manufacturing activities. Approach 5 emphasises organisational and cultural issues and proposes that effective dialogue between design and manufacturing engineers is essential for abandoning the ''over-the-wall design'' concept. In conclusion, a critique of various approaches to concurrent engineering is provided.