Integrating the supply chain through web-enabled CAx systems

Abstract

The integration of aerospace supply chain in the product development process through web-enabled CAx tools such as CATweb is discussed. The requirement for integration across the supply chain is changing as the product life cycle progresses. The CAx tools provide support for VRML, which provides 3D viewing of CAD via standard plugins. The tools also offer integration of CAD data with other CAx data types such as PDM and manufacturing data. Integrated access to CAD and other CAx data is enabled with relatively inexpensive and easy to use standard desktop products.