The axiomatic design as a framework for concurrent engineering

The formal implementation of a Concurrent Engineering environment implies: 1) The existence of a uniform framework to describe all the information about the product and the related production process; 2) the achievement of decision-making processes that result from the collaboration of the distinct design teams that participate in the process; 3) the concurrent development of the product and the related production process. The use of Axiomatic Design may lead to a clear-cut implementation of Concurrent Engineering involving: a) the definition of distinct domains where concurrent action is needed (functional, physical and process domains); b) the existence of a structural hierarchy in each domain and the clear definition of the existing relationship among them; c) the existence of axioms that enforce the decision-making process. This paper is an attempt to show that these distinct requirements and consequences must be faced as being related. This can be done through Axiomatic Design, in such a way that is independent of the available technologies for the development of both the product and the production processes, as well as for the information exchange process.