This study proposes an architecture of the web-based PDI(product development information) system for order-adaptive manufacturing systems. The proposed PDI system consists of the following three systems: 1) the product information system that shows the information of parts, such as dimensions, material, and etc., 2) the workflow management system that checks the job precedence and controls the process schedule, and 3) the technical document management system that controls all activities(writing, modifying, searching, and etc.) related to technical documents. The proposed PDI system is characterized as an 3-tier structure system and used to maintain consistent information flow during whole product development cycle. The study originally designs the PDI system to support the workflow management required for obtaining QS9000 and to be compatible with e-business environments.
The study initially analyzes the business processes of the product development in manufacturing industries and defines the functional requirements of the proposed PDI system. The study designs an architecture of the web-based PDI system using a modified Axiomatic Design approach and the SADT(structured analysis and design technique) approach. The study implements the PDI system partially and then applies the implemented system in a component manufacturer of automobiles.
