An Approach to Concurrent Engineering Using Distributed Design Methodology

This paper presents a design model that allows concurrent engineering to be put into a conceptual framework and suggests a design methodology for that framework Distributed design methodology is based upon a modular approach where modules are connected in a net work and where communication plays the main role allowing the product to emerge Each module needs its own tools, some of them already exist but others have to be built in a new point of view The design solution results from decisions which are made by all the modules in a distrib uted way An example from a design experiment introduces the discussion of the model and outlines the information exchanged The validity of this design model is also proved by this experiment