Abstract: Systems and methods for providing alarming indications and troubleshooting indications and actions in connection with a web converting manufacturing process such as that used for manufacturing disposable absorbent garments. Some of the disclosed embodiments include relating inspection data, such as product (or process) attribute data, to data from other manufacturing-related systems. Also disclosed are systems and methods for linking product (or process) attribute data obtained during the manufacturing process with one or more data sources including raw material data, process setting data, product quality data, and/or productivity data. Also disclosed are systems and methods for identifying manufacturing set point changes and automatically implementing such changes and automated web steering changes based on data from one or more inspection systems.

Abstract: A planning system for developing new products includes resource and projected financial performance information as inputs. By selecting various combinations of possible new products to develop, a planner can determine a product mix that maximizes future profits as well as can actually be implemented using available resources. A product development schedule is generated along with projected financial information.

Abstract: A system for providing technical support for remote automation or remote control devices, the system including: a device identifier (35), for determining components of pre-determined automation or control devices, such as for example programmable logic controllers, indicated in a device database (33), by periodically querying the devices for component hardware, software, and firmware, and for providing thereby the device database (33) with component identifications for the predetermined devices; and a device configuration manager (36), responsive to the component identifications and further responsive to available device components in a database (34) of available device components, for comparing the installed and available device components and for providing an offer to upgrade installed device components; and also typically including a system diagnostics manager (32), responsive to the component identifications, and further responsive to diagnostics information in a diagnostics database (31), for providing d

Abstract: A system for automation, monitoring and measurement acquisition for technical processes, having measurement and control units (2, 14, 15, 16) that are connected to sensors and actuators of the processes (1, 8, 9, 10) via measurement and control lines (3, 11, 12, 13), having a system distributed in a data network (4), in which system automation modules (44, 45, 46) are combined into automation units (39, 31, 32, 18, 19) and automation units are combined into automation groups (99), and having a higher-level information plane (22) whose information programs (23 to 27) have reading access to the automation units.

Abstract: In an apparatus for generating and managing production processing structure in a production management system of a factory, the structure of factory made up of the names or other identifiers of process points obtained by subdividing the factory production line is hierarchically registered in the storage device of the management computer (server; S200), the terminal computers and devices used in production are registered as terminal devices (S202), and tasks (from among tasks generated in advance and stored in the disk of the management computer) for achieving the operation or processing to be implemented at the process points are selected for each process point and registered in the order of execution (S204), while linking the terminal devices with definition information that correlates them, once the terminal computers are activated, the registered tasks are executed by the management computer (server) based on the definition information thus registered, so that the production record information is accumulat

Abstract: A manufacturing management system and method for cross-site lot handling is provided. The system includes a management unit and a target manufacturing site. The target manufacturing site receives a lot, checks whether a lot handling request indicating the lot and the target manufacturing site exists in the management unit, and registers the lot handling request for the lot before the lot being processed if the lot handling request exists.

Abstract: An assembly line data communication system using wireless transmissions between access point transceivers along a plant data network and a mobile transceiver temporarily physically associated with each product proceeding down an assembly line served by the network. The unique identity of the product is communicated to the assembly line network controller at the entry end of each series of work cells and correct product order in a queue is maintained so that the specific identity and specification of the product is known at each of several subsequent and serially arranged work cells through which the product passes. Each work cell can talk to one or more access point transceivers in the network to communicate data to the mobile transceiver on the vehicle and to receive information back from it.

Abstract: Graphic displays, which display information about process elements and the manner in which these elements are connected within a process, process modules, which simulate the operation of the elements depicted within the graphic displays and control modules, which perform on-line control activities within a process, may be communicatively connected together to provide a combined control, simulation and display environment that enables enhanced control, simulation and display activities. Smart process objects, which have both graphical and simulation elements, may used to create one or more graphic displays and one or more process simulation modules, each having elements which may communicate with one another to share data between the graphic displays and the process modules.

Abstract: A master control system for a rolling mill, especially a mill train, having at least one rolling stand driven by means of a drive system, and the master control system having an automation device for the open-loop and/or closed-loop control of the rolling stand. The master control system also has a commissioning computer for the commissioning of the drive system and of the automation device.

Abstract: A method for initializing process controllers based on tool event data includes providing a tool having a process controller adapted to employ a control model to control an operating recipe of the tool; receiving a tool event notification; and initializing the control model in response to receiving the tool event notification. A manufacturing system includes a tool and a process controller. The tool is adapted to process wafers in accordance with an operating recipe. The process controller is adapted to employ a control model to control the operating recipe in accordance with a control algorithm. The process controller is further adapted to receive a tool event notification and initialize the control model in response to receiving the tool event notification.

Abstract: A task linking program is provided for using a computer for interacting with on-line and off-line programming systems to perform tasks related to programming microdevices. The program is secure in being capable of being setup only in an administrator mode where microdevice, programming system, and other information can be inputted and changed. The program has an operator mode in which the program can only run the programming system. This provides the ability to employ relatively low skill operators to use the programming system.

Abstract: A method and system for designing a probe card from data provided by prospective customers via the Internet is provided. Design specifications are entered into the system by prospective customers and compiled into a database. The collective feasibility of each set of design specifications is determined by an automated computer system and communicated to the prospective customer. If feasible, additional software enables prospective customers to create verification packages according to their respective design specifications. These verification packages further consist of drawing files visually describing the final design and verification files confirming wafer bonding pad data. Verification packages are reviewed and forwarded to an applications engineer after customer approval. An interactive simulation of probe card performance is also provided.

Abstract: A technique is provided for integrating human machine interfaces with control and monitoring systems. Control and monitoring systems may be integrated into a human machine interface to enable access to various systems including networked and programmable electrical components, such as components of motor control centers, and databases that including component, system designation data, configuration information, settings, and so forth. The database and components are accessed by execution of a program embedded in the human machine interface to provide desired information in response to selection of a particular physical component of the system. The information serves as the basis for an operator display through the human machine interface.

Abstract: A computerized system is provided for scheduling a plurality of work orders in a manufacturing process. Each work order to be scheduled specifies a set of operations to be performed using a plurality of resources and materials. Data including resource availability information for each resource used in the manufacturing process, material availability information for each material used in the manufacturing process, and work order information is received and stored in a computer. The work order information includes a release date for the work order, a want date for the work order, operations information, and material requirements information. The operations information includes the identity and sequence of operations to be performed for the work order, the identity of the resources needed to perform each operation, a minimum resource capacity needed to perform each operation, and the time needed to perform the operation.

Abstract: An extensible base process control and manufacturing information application development and execution software suite is disclosed that facilitates streamlined third party (e.g., OEM) development of derivative applications for particular vertical markets. The suite includes an object design toolkit that provides object template derivation tools for accessing and editing a set of base object templates. The objects derivable from the base templates include at least application objects deployed upon lower level hosting component objects of a supervisory process control and manufacturing information application. The toolkit also includes development tools for creating new base object templates that are added as extensions of the set of base object templates. In addition to the toolkit, the suite includes a set of marketing package customization tools facilitating seamlessly integrating changes by developers to the extensible base development and execution software suite.

Abstract: A system and method for procuring non-production commodities for use by employees of a commercial enterprise includes associating the employee with a user profile comprising information relating a status of the employee within the enterprise, automatically generating a requisition for the employee indicating a desired commodity and quantity thereof, and, utilizing the user profile information and the desired commodity to enable employee searching of specific catalogs provided in a database storage device for indication of the desired commodity in a requisition. The system and method further provides for the automatic generation of a purchase order based on the requisition, the forwarding of the purchase order to the vendor for processing the order without a third party intervenor, and provides a mechanism for receiving vendor purchase order acknowledgments and approving vendor initiated changes to the purchase order without third party intervention.

Abstract: A factory floor tablet automation system enables the storing, collecting and processing manufacturing data generated at one or more facilities during manufacturing, and making manufacturing data accessible from the one or more facilities. A local processor is located at each facility, and a plurality of portable tablet devices are located in each facility. One or more transceivers located throughout each facility, each transceiver being connected to the local processor in each facility. The plurality of portable tablet devices is in wireless communication with the local processor through the transceivers and the tablet antennas. A server computer having a processor unit and storage device is connected to local processors through a network.

Abstract: Systems and methods that improve process control in semiconductor manufacturing are disclosed. According to an aspect of the invention, conditions in a cluster tool environment and/or a wafer therein can be monitored in-situ via, for example, a scatterometry system, to determine whether parameters associated with wafer production are within control limits. A cluster tool environment can include, for example, a lithography track, a stepper, a plasma etcher, a cleaning tool, a chemical bath, etc. If an out-of-control condition is detected, either associated with a tool in the cluster tool environment or with the wafer itself, compensatory measures can be taken to correct the out-of-control condition. The invention can further employ feedback/feed-forward loop(s) to facilitate compensatory action in order to improve process control.

Abstract: In a product design system having a computer and an interactive program stored in the computer for aiding the engineer to design a product and including product design process for allowing the engineer to design a product model and mold design process to design a mold for producing the product based on the designed product model, the program is rewritten such that a virtual boundary line is determined between a portion of surface and rest of the geometric model, when a shape of the portion of surface of the geometric model is to be changed, an area extending to the virtual boundary line is determined as the portion of surface whose shape is to be changed; and the shape of the portion is changed using a definition of shape of the portion. With this, a portion of a geometric model such as a solid model, once completed, can be easily changed with the use of the definition of shape already obtained before the change is made, thereby improving the efficiency of product design.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel distributed factory system framework including a novel factory automation lifecycle (200) having lifecycle activities for SW developing and integrating (210), installing and administrating (220), factory modeling (230), manufacturing planning (240), manufacturing controlling, monitoring and tracking (250) and analyzing of manufacturing results (260). The factory lifecycle comprises framework components. The distributed factory system framework also includes application components and software building blocks. The framework components are adapted for managing the application components, while the application components are utilized to provide instructions for managing a process such as a wafer fab. The building blocks are adapted for forming or modifying framework and application components. The distributed factory system framework provides computer implemented methods for integrating processing systems and facilitates process and equipment changes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a job flow system for use in a manufacturing environment, such as a semiconductor fab. The job flow system includes a plurality of sequence-related jobs associated with the manufacturing and a computer-controlled Petri Net structure. The Petri Net structure includes a plurality of agents associated with each of the sequence-related jobs. The Petri Net structure also includes a plurality of application processes to be performed by the agents, one or more description files, and a PN Center for loading the one or more description files and activating a first agent to perform one or more of the application processes in response to the one or more description files and in response to process status information from application processes.

Abstract: The system of this invention manages customer orders using vendor supplied software systems interfaced on a real time basis to touch the data in each system on a real time basis. In effect, there is horizontal communication between the various components of the system such as inventory, purchasing, order management and receipt, logistics and inventory to have continual data flow without using a vertical software interface. As a result, customer orders are received on a real-time basis using screens that are user friendly to promptly take orders, and to verify customer data and verify the ability to meet those orders. Transmission of documents within the system is minimized thereby making it more efficient, timely and cost efficient.

Abstract: Aspects for efficient order processing in a manufacturing environment are described. The aspects include utilizing a hierarchical definition language with run-time control capability to represent and control a box line manufacturing process of computer systems in a unified manner. Further provided is a state file, the state file including blocks, sub-blocks, tasks, and containers for run-time information of the box line manufacturing process of computer systems. A sequencer tool interacts with the state file to direct tasks of the state file, monitor task completion, and update the state file with real-time control information. A listener tool interacts with the sequencer tool to start tasks, monitor tasks, and send task results to the sequencer tool.

Abstract: An interface between an automation host and a plurality of tools is used to perform a processing step. The interface includes a single communications and process behavioral connection interface to the automation host. The interface also includes a plurality of virtual host interfaces. Each virtual host interface from the plurality of virtual host interfaces provides a communications and process behavioral interface to one of the tools in the plurality of tools. The automation host can control and coordinate operation of all tools in the plurality of tools via the single communications and process behavioral connection interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for MES (manufacturing execution system) integration. A Web server receives lot control data for a lot control operation performed in a MES server and selectively transmits the lot control data. A message encoder receives the lot control data from the Web server and encodes the lot control data in a lot control message for the MES server. A message controller receives the lot control message and directs the MES server to perform the lot control operation according to the lot control message.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for an integrated manufacturing execution system, MES, that unifies the production data for a manufactured lot that moves from a current production line to different production lines, and a process is disclosed for reserving tools by a unified MES that checks for manufacturing capacity utilization of the tools.

Abstract: In a manufacturing process management system 10, each of input terminals 401 to 40n located respectively in multiple manufacturing processes of a process flow with regard to a preset product reads a barcode 164 attached to a target 160 and inputs a start of processing with regard to the product. The manufacturing process management system 10 maps the product to a processing status and stores the mapping into a database 130. In response to input of an acquisition request of the processing status with regard to the product from a client PC 50, the manufacturing process management system 10 reads the processing status according to the acquisition request from the database 130, creates a response message, and outputs the created response message to the client PC 50. This manufacturing process management system enables a current location of the preset product to be readily managed in the process flow of the multiple manufacturing processes.

Abstract: A modular automation apparatus is provided that includes a base unit adapted to receive an automation module. The automation module includes at least one automation device for performing one or more specific automation functions and preferably a selectively programmable memory device for storing automation specific logic rules and/or controlling the specific automation functions. The base unit includes a frame having affixed thereto a control cabinet that houses a programmable logic controller (PLC) for executing the logic rules relayed or stored in the memory device and a power supply capable of powering the base unit and the automation module. When a base unit and an automation module are cooperatively assembled, the combination is capable of performing one or more automation functions specific to the automation module selected.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing a collaborative integration of hybrid electronic and micro and sub-micro, including nano, level aggregates. A method of sampling aggregate nano behavior to determine progress by the nano aggregate toward a desired result may include sampling at least one of aggregate nano and aggregate micro behavior by a transducer. The aggregate behavior is measured through use of the sample by a macro level control apparatus. If the measured aggregate behavior is identified as diverging from progress toward a desired result, an effector is activated by the macro level control apparatus to influence the aggregate behavior toward progress toward the desired result.

Abstract: Active resource control of added functionality in a numerical control process having at least one resource is provided. It can occur during run-time of the numerical control process, that an added functionality that uses at least a portion of the resource. On-line checking of the added functionality detects during run time whether the added functionality causes the numerical control process to reach a resource limit. Error handling handles errors upon reaching a resource limit. Off-line checking detects off-line, before the run time of the numerical control process, whether the added functionality causes the numerical control process to reach a resource limit of the resource. Multiple layers are provided that check at multiple layers of the numerical control process whether the added functionality causes the numerical control process to reach a resource limit of the resource. A flexible response to resource limit errors based on a degree of importance of the added functionality is provided.

Abstract: A display (AV) for on-site visualization of conditions of an automated process (PZ) is disclosed. It comprises a display controller (AS) which at least temporarily provides a state indication signal (ZA) representing a constellation of states of at least two process data signals (PD1, PD2). At least one of the two process data signals (PD1, PD2) is derived from a signal (RX) generated externally to the field device (F1). The field device (F1) has a display element (AE) which responds to a change in the state indication signal (ZA) with a significant change in its appearance, thus signaling the constellation of the states of the two process data signals (PD1, PD2) in a visually perceptible manner. Therefore, the field device (F1) is particularly suited for on-site monitoring of entire plants or sections thereof by operating personnel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for processing semiconductor wafers. The method includes preheating a semiconductor wafer in two types of chambers. In one embodiment, a first preheating chamber is a load lock and a second preheating chamber is a transition chamber. Semiconductor wafer processing systems which can perform embodiments of the method are presented.

Abstract: A method for controlling at least one device (12) with a control system (10). The devices (12) can provide input signals (16) to the control system (10), receive output signals (14) from the control system (10) to operate the device (12), or a combination of both. When the device (12) is first connected to the control system (10), the control system (10) identifies the device (12) and selects a set of parameters and instructions from a database (18). An operator can then select values for the parameters. The parameters and instructions then define the operation of the device (12). Each controlled device (12) acts autonomously with respect to other devices (12). When the device (12) is actuated through a series of operations, the method determines the next operation of the device (12), after the device (12) has been turned off and back on again.

Abstract: The invention is related to methods and apparatus that advantageously provide compatibility between two or more different computer systems, such as computers used in a manufacturing environment, e.g., a foundry for semiconductor fabrication. For example, a first computer system with a first operating system, such as OS/2® from IBM Corporation, and a second computer system with a second operating system, such as Windows® NT® from Microsoft Corporation. In one embodiment, a transfer module permits an application that executes in the IBM® OS/2® operating system access to files maintained in a component object model (COM+) format from Microsoft Corporation. A routing module transfers data to and from a module with functions created in the component object model (COM+) format. One embodiment of the routing module routes data according to one of four selectable processing paths termed TAPCOM, COMTAP, TAPCOMTAP, and COMTAPCOM.

Abstract: To provide a product development and manufacturing system to be used in the increasingly competitive electronic equipment market, which enables the process from product planning to design, manufacturing, and sales of a product to be performed efficiently while incorporating newly developed techniques, to thereby minimize or avoid risks. The present invention provides a production system for a product by multiple companies which enables multiple corporations or companies cooperating to perform product development, manufacturing and sales in a new product field, to mutually utilize techniques and sales networks owned by the respective companies to thereby further strengthen their competitiveness and develop their business.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method, which assist CAD data to be usable by supplier's own CAD and automatic programming tool no matter how a format of the CAD data from an orderer may be. Electronic drawing data Dx prepared in an orderer 11 is received in an outsourcing service center 14, the received electronic drawing data Dx is subjected to data conversion into electronic drawing data Dc in a format designated by the supplier 12, and the electronic drawing data Dc having been subjected to the data conversion is transmitted to the supplier 12 or a designated destination.

Abstract: An equipment management method for managing semiconductor equipment via an equipment manager. In the equipment management method, production scenario rules and equipment behavior rules are first defined respectively in a production scenario database of a configuration controller and an equipment behavior database of an equipment driver. Them, a command is received from a manufacturing execution system (MES), and is converted into a production process scenario by looking up the corresponding production scenario rule in the production scenario database. Thereafter, the production process scenario is converted into a GEI (generic equipment interface) message with a GEI message specification, and the GEI message is transmitted to the equipment driver. Then, the GEI message is converted into equipment communication messages regulated by an equipment communication protocol by looking up the corresponding equipment behavior rule in the equipment behavior database.

Abstract: As a basic managing pattern, each manufacturing lot containing at least one workpiece is designated as a main objective to be managed. An appropriate number of similar type manufacturing lots containing workpieces having the same work conditions in at least one work step are loaded on a carrier. Then, the carrier is transported to a batch apparatus that performs simultaneous processing or machining operation applied to the workpieces or to an apparatus that brings the workpieces into an in-process work step under the same conditions, so as to cause the workpieces contained in respective similar type manufacturing lots to pass along a plurality of manufacturing process flows. Alternatively, an appropriate number of different type manufacturing lots containing workpieces having different work conditions are loaded on a carrier.

Abstract: A priority number of each combination of a manufacturing device and a step are first calculated by the equation=processing time×number of processible steps×number of usable devices. From the combination having the smallest priority number (i.e. highest priority), a lot will be allotted to the device for the step. The priority number is updated every after allotment of one lot by the equation=processing time×number of processible steps×number of usable devices×{(device load×10)k+1}. By repeating this procedure, all the lots scheduled to be processed are allotted to the corresponding devices. In addition, in the actual manufacturing process, whenever there is a lot that has to be processed, execution of processing such a lot is directed by successively selecting a device having the lowest accomplishment rate.

Abstract: The following processing is performed when a line gang pickup head can simultaneously pick up a maximum of n (here, 4) components. First, groupings of components of the same type, out of all of the components to be optimized, are set as component tapes and the component tapes are arranged descending order of the number of components to produce a component histogram (406a). Next, a partial histogram (400), which is part of the component histogram (406a), is taken from the component histogram (406a), and is arranged at two-dimensional coordinates where a horizontal axis (the Z-axis) represents an arrangement of component cassettes and a vertical axis represents a number of pickup operations by the line gang pickup head. After this, the component tapes are lined up, by arranging the partial histograms (401a and 401b), so as to produce a diagram (406b) whose width (number of components) in the horizontal axis is n (=4).

Abstract: Disclosed is a technology of making a user grasp and specify a basic configuration invisible in a finally generated three-dimensional configuration in a three-dimensional CAD system for generating the three-dimensional configuration by sequentially combining the basic configurations. A solid editing method in the three-dimensional CAD system for completing the three-dimensional configuration through a process of combining a plurality of basic configurations displayed on a display screen with an operation unit, comprises a step of displaying in-the-making configurations from a first basic configuration as a start configuration down to the final three-dimensional configuration, a selecting step of selecting one of the basic configurations displayed, and a step of setting, as an edit target, the basic configuration finally combined with respect to the selected in-the-making configuration.

Abstract: The present invention presents an improved apparatus and method for monitoring parts in a material processing system, wherein the material processing system includes a processing tool, a number of RF-responsive part identifiers coupled to the processing tool to generate and transmit part ID data, and a sensor interface assembly (SIA) configured to receive the part ID data from the plurality of RF-responsive part identifiers.

Abstract: A host system generates and manages databases incorporating data gathered from a plurality of client automation systems, such as CNC machine tools. The data may include real-time data, and is captured from the client systems under supervision of software downloaded over a network from the host system to the client systems. The captured data is transmitted over the network to the host, which creates the databases. The databases preferably include a commercial database comprising data associated with customer owners or operators of the client automation system, as well as a technical database, comprising captured data, administrative and other data, organized by customer and client system. Captured data is preferably associated with the date of capture, providing for the creation of a historical database for given client equipment. With customer authorization, others, such as original equipment manufacturers, may access the captured data, for which they may be charged a fee.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for workflow editing. Such methods and apparatus permit, for example, user-defined and/or other tasks to be combined in any combination or combinations to specify a workflow. The tasks can be linked for direct, serial processing and/or for conditional processing that includes branching and/or looping. The invention also improved methods and apparatus of workflow definition and processing with extensible actions. The invention provides, further, improved methods and apparatus for workflow definition and processing which utilize workflow variables for communication of data and control information among tasks within a workflow. The invention provides, still further, improved methods and apparatus of workflow definition and processing with enhanced messaging.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a production cell information system based on activity costs and an architecture therefore. The present invention allows a plurality of production cells to execute most of the functions originally existing in the conventional MES (Manufacturing Execution System). The present invention not only can effectively overcome the shortcomings of centralized MES, but also can let each production cell collect and display its production information according to its characteristics. Furthermore, the present invention performs a cost evaluation based on all the activity costs spent on each production cell, so as to evaluate the performance of each production cell, and meanwhile, the related personnel is informed in time for achieving the objectives of profit center and consistently improving the production efficacy. According to the present invention, the production cell information system comprises: a cell controller, an equipment manager, a data service means and a web server.

Abstract: A drive unit for a machine, in particular a machine-tool, robot and the like, is described. The drive unit has several components, and each component has at least one associated component-specific function, and a uniform communication module that forms an interface with the other components. The interfaces of the various components can be connected by logical point-to-point connections or via a bus. Each component is designated with a particular type, and the communication between the components uses a type-specific communication protocol. A least one of the components is a hierarchically superior component.

Abstract: A flexible recipe modeling system and method is provided for improving the processing reliability of a fabrication process by customizing recipes processed by fabrication equipment including associated different chambers of a multi-chamber processing machine by allowing a responsible engineer to add or modify individual recipe clusters including grouping of recipes into clusters to represent the same process capacity for a piece of fabrication equipment and providing a material execute system having a recipe cluster management engine (RCME) for management of the RCMS.

Abstract: A process control system uses an asset utilization expert to collect data or information pertaining to the assets of a process plant from various sources or functional areas of the plant including, for example, the process control functional areas, the maintenance functional areas and the business systems functional areas. This data and information is manipulated in a coordinated manner by tools, such as optimization and modeling tools and is redistributed to other areas or tools where it is used to perform overall better or more optimal control, maintenance and business activities. Information or data may be collected by maintenance functions pertaining to the health, variability, performance or utilization of a device, loop, unit, etc. and this information may then be sent to and displayed to a process operator or maintenance person to inform that person of a current or future problem.

Abstract: An integrated product data environment for system design and optimization, e.g., a Collaborative Engineering Environment (CEE). The CEE provides a multi-disciplinary engineering team with immediate access to all relevant product information. It is an enterprise system at the program as well as the company levels, managing product information as a program and corporate asset. Product-centric collaborative capabilities for the CEE are provided by extending the functionality of a commercial Product Data Management (PDM) System. Emerging web-centric commercial-off-tho-shelf (COTS) PDM capabilities, object-oriented technologies, associated rapid application development environments, sophisticated engineering toolsets, and COTS computing and communications technologies have been leveraged to establish the CEE for the complex electronic systems integration domain. The CEE offers substantial improvements in productivity, cost savings, cycle time reductions, product integrity and lifetime support of a system.

Abstract: A collaborative engineering environment (CEE) enables the effective capture, management, communication, and exploitation of all product related information to a project team. The systematic employment of this information offers substantial improvements in productivity, cost savings, cycle time reductions, product integrity, and lifetime supportability of the system. Advanced CEE capabilities exploit and leverage the engineering, architectural and technological expertise of enterprise subject matter experts (domain experts) across multiple complex systems development and integration activities. The CEE provides a tightly coupled process automation using reusable product elements for coupling information with engineering processes and ensuring adherence to repeatable and traceable engineering processes.