外文翻译-A WWW-Based Information Management System for Rapid.doc

A WWW-Based Information Management System for Rapid and Integrated Mould Product Development Introduction The widespread use of the Internet and World Wide Web (WWW) has had a signi?cant effect on the method of inter and intra communication of a manufacturing company. Those ef?cient inter and intra net communication tools have helped manufacturing companies to reduce production cost, shorten the lead time to market, implement globalisation and concurrent engineering, and make them rethink all of these issues which are at the heart of competitive manufacturing. In order to enhance competitive ability, manufacturing companies must undergo great changes, especially those with globally distributed “partners”. It has been widely recognised that having the capability of rapid product development is a key issue in enhancing corporate competitiveness. This may require the support of information systems, especially for companies whose business partners are distributed across the globe. A manufacturing corporation, which is managed by a holding company in 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, and distribution, so that it can respond quickly to customers’requirements. At present, this company is facing increasing demand by customers for product variety, low cost, and short delivery time. 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 developed to conform with the various manufacturing constraints. These discussions are normally among engineers in the company’s branches located in different countries through documented letters or e-mail. They are time-consumi