Concurrent engineering tool in software development

Traditional approaches to software development which separate analysis, design, coding and testing can lead to inconsistency among different phases, low efficiency, and rework, particularly in large-scale information system development. These problems would be alleviated if there were effective tools supporting every phase in the software life cycle in an integrated fashion. This paper proposes an integrated approach to these problems, based on the concept of concurrent engineering. Concurrent engineering is an important concept in computer integrated manufacturing (CIM). It aims at rapid product development and a better designed product, by incorporating all issues of the product life cycle right in the design phase. The development of software can be compared with that of a manufactured product, both of which have requirements definition, analysis, design, coding (manufacturing), testing and maintenance phases. This paper applies concurrent engineering methodologies to software "manufacturing". A concurrent development integrated tool (CDIT) is described, which includes project management, system analysis, design, testing, generation and maintenance. The architecture of CDIT, the functions of each component, its application to system development, and the further development of CDIT are discussed.