On designing a database management system for a computer-aided engineering software system

Abstract The renaissance of engineering design can be attributed to the phenomenal growth in the microprocessor industry. The basic difference between the new and the traditional approach is one of outlook. Complex design situations involve multidisciplines. However this has made the task of integrating and transferring design information among these disciplines very difficult. Database management systems (DBMS) provide attractive solutions to these problems. A centralized control of data ensures that redundancy can be reduced, inconsistency can be avoided, data can be shared, standards can be enforced, and conflicting requirements can be handled. This paper takes the reader through the steps required to configure an engineering DBMS. The different data models are explained and their usage in CAD/CAM settings is illustrated. The importance of data independence, modularity, efficiency, and protability is emphasized.