Product Lifecycle Management Philosophies Within A Computer Aided Design Program Of Study

Technological innovations influenced by the capabilities of global communication means are creating competitive environments that require companies to respond faster to customer needs with higher quality products. To foster competitiveness, global companies in the twentyfirst century are being challenged to integrate all their resources into a seamless digital enterprise. This seamless integration represents a technological environment that leverages the skills and knowledge of all participants to include customers, suppliers, manufacturers, vendors, retailers, engineers, customer support, sales, and designers. The integration of design processes within digital enterprises is realized through the application of web-centric product-data management systems. These systems allow for the exchange of design data and product configuration in a manner that facilitates not only interdepartmental communication but also inter-enterprise collaboration. Within existing technologies, these systems can help to facilitate design processes, shorten time-to-market, and increase product design quality. This paper describes efforts with the Department of Computer Graphics Technology at Purdue University to integrate product data management applications and product lifecycle management philosophies within its computer-aided design curriculum. Topics covered include course information within the computer-aided design curriculum, technologies utilized, a group design project that implements components of product lifecycle management, future developments, and student feedback.