Promoting Model-Based Definition to Establish a Complete Product Definition

Abstract

The manufacturing industry is evolving and starting to use three-dimensional (3D) models as the central knowledge artifact for product data and product definition, or what is known as model-based definition (MBD). The model-based enterprise (MBE) uses MBD as a way to transition away from using traditional paper-based drawings and documentation. As MBD grows in popularity, it is imperative to understand what information is needed in the transition from drawings to models so that the models represent all the relevant information needed for processes to continue efficiently. Finding this information can help to define what data are common amongst different models in different stages of the lifecycle, which could help to establish a common information model. The common information model is a source that contains common information from domain specific elements amongst different aspects of the lifecycle. To help establish this common information model, information about how models are used in the industry within different workflows needs to be understood. To retrieve this information, a survey mechanism was administered to industry professionals from various sectors. Based on the results of the survey a common information model could not be established. However, the results gave great insight that will help in further investigation of the common information model.