Decision support, planning, and data management of complex, discrete event systems

Complex software environments, such as CAD systems, consist of many modules which are often created, maintained, and executed separately. When such systems are invoked, appropriate execution sequences and parameters must be determined for each module so that desired results are produced. The task of planning, executing, and supervising the CAD environments has become so complex that it requires advanced computer support facilities. A sophisticated design process management system (DPMS) that helps to manage globally the design process in order to achieve adequate (if not optimal) design results is introduced. It thus makes design systems more autonomous by freeing resources for the critical design steps. The architecture of the system, as well as its data management, decision support, and planning facilities are described in detail and a prototype system is presented. The system has been used in the electronic design automation area