Abstract: System and method to manage external data in a product creation process is provided. The method comprises receiving a first product structure from a central module, storing the first product structure in the data storage system, performing, evaluations on the first product structure and storing results of the evaluations in the data storage system. The results of the evaluations are transmitted to a central module.

Abstract: A method for generating a product data structure for a configurable product may include receiving a computer-aided design (CAD) model including one or more configurations of the product. Model data may be extracted from the CAD model. The extracted model data may include geometric information of product items from each configuration of the product. The extracted model data may be provided in the product data structure including product item variants and instances associated with the variants. The instances may provide geometric information extracted from the CAD model.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for sharing information. The technique includes defining a stored data set maintained by a first entity to include a locked data set and an unlocked data set, and providing a second entity with access to the stored data set. The second entity has permission to view the locked data set and to change only the unlocked data set.

Abstract: System and method to manage external data in a product creation process is provided. The method comprises receiving a first product structure from a central module, storing the first product structure in the data storage system, performing, evaluations on the first product structure and storing results of the evaluations in the data storage system. The results of the evaluations are transmitted to a central module.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for managing data. The technique includes defining a secondary data set in a primary data set, linking the secondary data set to state information of the primary data set, transmitting the secondary data set to an external entity, receiving a modified secondary data set from the external entity and linking the modified secondary data set to a version of the primary data set stored with reference to state the information. The state information defines the state of the primary data set at the time the secondary data set is defined. The link between the modified secondary data set and the primary data set allows access by a user of a modified primary data set if the primary data set has changed with reference to the state information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for managing data. The technique includes defining a secondary data set in a primary data set, linking the secondary data set to state information of the primary data set, transmitting the secondary data set to an external entity, receiving a modified secondary data set from the external entity and linking the modified secondary data set to a version of the primary data set stored with reference to state the information. The state information defines the state of the primary data set at the time the secondary data set is defined. The link between the modified secondary data set and the primary data set allows access by a user of a modified primary data set if the primary data set has changed with reference to the state information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for managing data. The technique includes defining a secondary data set in a primary data set, linking the secondary data set to state information of the primary data set, transmitting the secondary data set to an external entity, receiving a modified secondary data set from the external entity and linking the modified secondary data set to a version of the primary data set stored with reference to state the information. The state information defines the state of the primary data set at the time the secondary data set is defined. The link between the modified secondary data set and the primary data set allows access by a user of a modified primary data set if the primary data set has changed with reference to the state information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for managing change. The technique includes changing an object of a product creation process and accumulating the change without changing a baseline of a product structure associated with the product creation system if the change to the object is a soft change.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for sharing information. The technique includes defining a stored data set maintained by a first entity to include a locked data set and an unlocked data set, and providing a second entity with access to the stored data set. The second entity has permission to view the locked data set and to change only the unlocked data set.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for managing change. The technique includes changing an object of a product creation process and accumulating the change without changing a baseline of a product structure associated with the product creation system if the change to the object is a soft change.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus implementing a technique for managing goals. The technique includes storing at least one goal related to an entity, storing an entity structure, linking at least one stored goal to at least one associated component of the entity structure, providing a user with access to each associated goal of each component through access to one or more components of the entity structure, and providing the user with access to each component associated with a goal through access to the goal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for managing data. The technique includes defining a secondary data set in a primary data set, linking the secondary data set to state information of the primary data set, transmitting the secondary data set to an external entity, receiving a modified secondary data set from the external entity and linking the modified secondary data set to a version of the primary data set stored with reference to state the information. The state information defines the state of the primary data set at the time the secondary data set is defined. The link between the modified secondary data set and the primary data set allows access by a user of a modified primary data set if the primary data set has changed with reference to the state information.