Information Dynamics for Computer Integrated Product Realization

Shop floor disruptions are a major concern in today’s manufacturing environment. These disruptions can be minimized by a second generation system for computer aided product realization that integrates product development engineering activity with manufacturing engineering activity. The naturally occurring design changes, trade-offs, and iterations are kept in an information preparation environment where such instabilities can be managed and controlled. Stable information is then drawn onto the shop floor just when it is needed to drive shop processes. This is accomplished by managing and controlling the engineering information through a network of precedence controlled activities in a product realization process. Thus, product functionality can be maintained while manufacturing and marketing concerns are addressed. Data consistency is guaranteed through the management of the data generating process. Post-activity editing is not allowed and design iterations are controlled from a broad perspective of product development goals.