CHALLENGES WITH PRODUCT DATA EXCHANGE IN PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT NETWORKS
DS 48: Proceedings DESIGN 2008, the 10th International Design Conference, Dubrovnik, Croatia
                        Year: 2008
                        Editor: Marjanovic D., Storga M., Pavkovic N., Bojcetic N.
                        Author: Jokinen, K.; Hajda, M.; Borgman,J.
                        Section: Design knowledge and collaboration
                        Page(s): 801 - 808
                        
Abstract
Collaborative product development in company networks creates new requirements for product data management (PDM). All partners need access to correct and updated data to avoid unnecessary delays and costs, and progress with tasks should be visible to others. We conducted case studies in four company networks to identify common PDM-related challenges. The results reveal several challenges with the contents of the data exchanged, the exchange processes and the tools that were used. We suggest addressing these challenges by defining and implementing PDM processes and tools that support collaborative product development. Future research in this area should address the concepts, processes, policies, and tools used in product data exchange.
Keywords: collaborative working, supplier/designer interface, product data management, design collaboration