A Novel Digital Enterprise Technology Framework for the Distributed Development and Validation of Complex Products

The development of complex products Involves considerable risk In terms of meeting target delivery dates, controlling life-cycle costs and establishing an efficient production network. This paper describes a new methodology for complex product design and development that utilises the recently proposed framework of ‘Digital Enterprise Technology’ (DET). The methodology Involves utilising the five technical strands of DET and In particular focuses in developing novel methods and tools for aggregate modelling, knowledge management and laser measurement planning to ‘bridge’ the gap that exists between conceptual product design and the organisation of the corresponding manufacturing and business operations. A pilot system has been created for simulating the distributed development and validation of complex aerospace products.