Concurrent engineering systematic approach and application

Concurrent engineering is a systematic approach to the integrated and concurrent design of products and their related processes. Using the information integration capabilities of computer integrated manufacturing system (CIMS), it shortens product leadtime, improves product quality and reduces product cost. This paper analyzes the essential features of concurrent engineering and introduces some typical methods and technologies used in concurrent engineering. The paper also describes the application methodology used in the ongoing project entitled “concurrent engineering” of the National High-Tech Development Program of China.