Developing a product data model using the STEP PDM schema for integrating specifications of technical services

Abstract

Life-cycle-oriented technical services are product-centric customer supports that aim to maximise product performance over its life cycle. This article proposes an extended product data model that can specify technical services, taking into account the product design and manufacturing process supported as integrated product life-cycle data. This integration allows the proposed model to evaluate the cost or environmental effects of products from the view of the product life cycle. The model specifies the life-cycle-oriented technical services by extending the STEP PDM schema, a widely implemented international standard for product data management (PDM). It helps manufacturers to integrate their technical services with current product and process specifications by using their existing PDM systems. A design information system based on a commercial PDM system is implemented based on the proposed product data model, and a set of application examples illustrates the effectiveness of the model for specifying life-cycle-oriented technical services.