基于万维网集成产品开发的信息管理系统-外文翻译.docxVIP

A WWW-Based Information Management System for Rapid andIntegrated Mould Product DevelopmentIntroductionThe widespread use of the Internet and World Wide Web (WWW) has had a signi?cant effect on the method of interand intra communication of a manufacturing company. Thoseef?cient inter and intra net communication tools have helpedmanufacturing companies to reduce production cost, shorten the lead time to market, implement globalisation and concurrentengineering, and make them rethink all of these issues whichare at the heart of competitive manufacturing. In order toenhance competitive ability, manufacturing companies mustundergo great changes, especially those with globally distributed “partners”. It has been widely recognised that having thecapability of rapid product development is a key issue inenhancing corporate competitiveness. This may require thesupport of information systems, especially for companies whosebusiness partners are distributed across the globe. A manufacturing corporation, which is managed by a holding companyin Christchurch, New Zealand, is such an international manufacturing group. It has subbranches in Australia and Malaysia.For this company, the integration of various information systems through WWW is a holistic approach to manage complexity in its product design, development, manufacture, anddistribution, so that it can respond quickly to customers’requirements.At present, this company is facing increasing demand bycustomers for product variety, low cost, and short deliverytime. However, there are some hurdles that prevent the company from meeting these customer requirements. First, at different stages of its tool/mould design and making process, discussions are required so that a tool/mould can be developedto conform with the various manufacturing constraints. Thesediscussions are normally among engineers in the company’sbranches located in different countries through documentedletters or e-mail. They are time-consuming and inconvenientto m