Concurrent engineering by cooperating expert systems

Abstract

There has been an increasing number of descriptions about `Design for X' systems, for example, design for assembly, design for manufacturing, and design for reliability and maintainability. Benefits of applying these techniques in industries have also been widely reported. However, these systems do not cross-correlate. Optimization and concentration on one area are likely to upset another. It is a mammoth task to achieve complete interaction and cross-coupling. This paper highlights the importance of focusing on computational requirements of a framework for the integration of `Design for X' activities especially at the conceptual stage of product development. The approach adopted is by cooperating existing proprietary knowledge based systems. The prospect of a unique tandem architecture for a comprehensive integration is articulated at data-, knowledge-, and system- levels. The ideas are embodied into an embryonic AGENTS system.