Concurrent engineering for global manufacturing

Abstract This paper presents the state of the art of the research work carried out within the multi-national collaborative programme IMS-Test Case 3 “Global Concurrent Engineering”. The project's aims were to identify the critical constraints with respect to global manufacturing, and to synthesise the best practices of concurrent engineering (CE) in a number of industrial sectors including automotive, aerospace, telecommunication, shipbuilding, and information technology. The consortium was constructed from a cohesive group of world class companies and research institutions from the USA, Canada, and Europe. The research outcome indicated that effective communication, a systematic involvement of customers, suppliers; distributors, powerful information infrastructure, and effective use of modern technology are vital key elements for success.