An asynchronous and synchronous coupling approach in networked rapid product development

Faced with today's competitive market, the development of innovative product needs to be accelerated. But this is limited by heterogeneous systems and a distributed environment. A way of utilising network technology to this end must be found. In this paper, we use a new approach, called asynchronous and synchronous coupling, which is a network-based product development approach. This is then applied to rapid-response manufacturing by small- and medium-sized enterprises in a distributed environment. It demonstrates integrated thinking, high development speed and a transparent development process. Visual technology and real-time monitoring technology are used to solve asynchronous process and data management problems. An ICE (integrated collaborative environment) is also created to support synchronous collaboration.