Computer‐aided concurrent engineering: the SCOPES solution

Discusses the crucial integration of engineering and production knowledge which is the objective behind the SCOPES (Systematic Concurrent design of Products, Equipments and control Systems) project. Presents the results of this three‐year project to develop a suite of integrated software modules which enable design support on the downstream functions associated with the assembly of mechanical and electromechanical products throughout the design process. Provides an outline of overall system architecture and the specifications of the individual modules – product design, assembly planning, resource planning, simulation, scheduling and flow control shopfloor control and monitoring – which make up the SCOPES solution.