Web-based distributed system and database modeling for concurrent design

This research introduces a new approach for Web-based collaborative concurrent design. In this approach, systems, product libraries, and product databases for modeling different product development life-cycle aspects are distributed at different locations that are linked through the Web. Product modeling libraries are described as class features. A class feature at a remote location can be used for defining a new class feature at the local site. Product modeling systems distributed at different locations are used for creating product databases that are described by instance features. A system at one location can be implemented using the functions provided at other locations as the components. Different life-cycle databases at different locations are associated by their relations. The optimal design considering relevant life-cycle aspects is identified using the distributed product life-cycle modeling systems and databases.