Information Technology Model for Product Lifecycle Engineering

Abstract

An aircraft is a complex, multi-disciplinary, system-engineered product that requires real-time global technical collaboration through its life-cycle. Engineering data and processes which form the backbone of the aircraft should be under strict Configuration Control (CC). It should be model-based and allow for 3D visualization and manipulation. This requires accurate, realtime collaboration and concurrent engineering-based business processes operating in an Integrated Digital Environment (IDE). The IDE uses lightweight, neutral Computer Aided Design (CAD) Digital Mock-Up (DMU). The DMU deals with complex structural assemblies and systems of more than a hundred thousand parts created by engineers across the globe, each using diverse CAD, Computer Aided Engineering (CAE), Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM), Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Supply Chain Management(SCM),Customer Relationship Management(CRM) and ComputerAided Maintenance Management System (CAMMS) systems. In this paper, a comprehensive approach to making such an environment a reality is presented.