Digital enterprise technology - defining perspectives and research priorities

The majority of research and commercial efforts in computer-based methods for design and manufacture relate to applications in Computer Aided Design ( CAD), whilst research in Computer-Automated Process Planning ( CAPP) has substantially enriched the design knowledge domain with concepts that originated in the manufacturing domain. The development of isolated computer applications was recognized as a potential problem, leading to the definition of the Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) concept, seeking to achieve the local integration of systems. The introduction and development of the internet have since provided a decisive advancement in the communications infrastructure. We can now capitalize on recent advances in computer graphic visualization and distributed information management systems, in order to positively impact product development and realization and to develop objective risk mitigation strategies on a global basis. In this context, Digital Enterprise Technology (DET) can be defined as 'the collection of systems and methods for the digital modelling of the global product development and realization process, in the context of lifecycle management'. This paper introduces the concept of DET and reviews the status of the design and manufacturing planning integration that is fundamental for the definition and development of DET methods and systems.