The PACE Tool Selection - Selecting Methods and Tools for Concurrent Engineering

The implementation and operation of Concurrent Engineering can be significantly supported by the application of formal methods, techniques and tools. However, many different tools and methods are available and it is difficult to select the right one. This paper describes an approach how to select the most suitable tool according to a specific problem situation. The approach is implemented by means of a method supporting the decision process and the Tool Selector as the corresponding decision support system. It contains descriptions of more than 250 formal methods, techniques and tools and guides the user from his specific problem to the optimal solution. The system was developed within the BRITE/EURAM project „PACE – A Practical Approach to Concurrent Engineering“.