Implementing Collaborative Engineering Environments Through Reference Model-Based Assessment

Abstract

This paper presents an assessment methodology based on enterprise reference models that consider next generation manufacturing principles. Because is becoming ever more frequent for companies to design products and work collaboratively within the framework of the Extended Enterprise, the need arises for a methodology for the successful implementation of collaborative practices. The main contribution of this research work lies in the definition of the reengineering process that allows the transition to a collaborative engineering environment and relies heavily on the use of PLM tools, and the definition of the metrics for change management. The proposal includes a readiness assessment procedure that analyzes the development process from a point of view that considers five levels of maturity with the aim of favoring the management of the collaboration process. The development of this collaborative assessment model is important because, on the one hand, the literature on this particular subject is scarce and, on the other, it can provide us with a deeper understanding of the activities associated to product development by defining the collaboration processes.