Using dependency records to generate design coordination advice in a constraint-based approach to concurrent engineering

Constraint networks are introduced and, using as a simple example the design of a load-carrying bar, the concept of using constraint networks to ensure consistency of decision making between members of a product development team is presented. The main section of the paper then illustrates how, when team members make inconsistent decisions, advice can be generated to assist in restoring consistency. This is achieved by using dependency records, which are constructed while the constraints in a network are being enforced and which show how the allowable values for the network parameters are related to the constraints. Finally, the utility of this approach is illustrated by means of an example involving the concurrent engineering of a printed wiring board. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.