Implementation of STEP-based product data exchange and sharing

Product data exchange and sharing is an important issue for miscellaneous information systems. STEP-based product data exchange and sharing provides a useful mechanism for implementing concurrent engineering and promoting the realization of GALS' environment. This paper implements a pilot system for STEP-based PDE (Product Data Exchange) system based on the requirement of product data exchange between and within enterprises. The system incorporates engineering information in the design and manufacturing stages and guarantees the consistency of the product data exchange and sharing. Complete development processes of systems, including AAM (Application Activity Model), ARM (Application Reference Model), and AIM (Application Interpretation Model), are illustrated herein. AAM utilizing BPR (Business Process Reengineering) approach is employed to develop ARM, which is then mapped to AIM models from part 41, part 42, part 44, AP 203, AP 214 in STEP. The system's database is based on the integrated AIM models in STEP to assure the capability for product data exchange and sharing. The kernel data structure is a combination of engineering information and product-oriented definitions. The data from miscellaneous information systems, such as CAD/CAM, MRP/MRPII, ERR and PDM, in the design and manufacturing phase of a product's life cycle can be exchanged using this system. This paper also employs STEP to present an integrated product-oriented data structure to manage engineering information from different information systems.