The `design to product´ Alvey large scale demonstrator

As part of the UK government Alvey programme a number of large-scale demonstrators were funded, one of which was the design to product (DtoP) project. Design to Product has been assessing and applying advanced techniques in information technology to computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) with the intention of pathfinding the requirements for the next generation of computer integrated manufacturing implementations. Such systems are envisaged as integrated networks of distributed intelligent facilities supporting all aspects of the company operations and particularly the product lifecycle, from design through manufacturing to in-service operations. Manufacturing companies of the future will require such information systems to improve their manufacturing capabilities and to make optimum use of the limited skills resources available in companies