Web-based collaborative product design review in extended enterprises

Abstract

This paper reports on the development of a web-based framework supporting collaborative product design review between partners in the extended enterprise. On the one hand, the product design team can use the system to upload all the relevant design documents onto the web site. On the other hand, the design review committee members can use the system to download the subject product design, and organize and conduct the design review sessions. Individual members can continuously submit their comments and suggestions about a design. Review meetings can be arranged for the members to simultaneously collate and discuss individual opinions. A common workplace is shared among the members with the support of a VRML (Virtual Reality Modelling Language) 3D display of the product. Such a web-based design review framework is expected to greatly improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the design review process.