Abstract
This study proposes a process information model which can integrate various activities during the product development process, the system which can manage the process. Development process information will allow designers and managers to access previous tasks readily and utilize the information in making decisions at hand. While developing products in heterogeneous and distributed environments, concurrent and collaborative designs can be achieved by STEP. The process model in this study divides the task of product development into two fundamental parts, Specific Process(SP) and Normal Process(NP). SP includes the specific information and refer to those defined by prior STEP. NP is routine process excluded from being defined as SP. Due data information can be added to manage development pace and to show delayed tasks. As two or more different processes can be linked to show the entire development flow, Static STEP information can be dynamically interlaced. Remote location operations can be incorporated on the Internet using STEP, and information can be shared. The system has been built upon a process model schema so that task stage, design history, and different development style can be managed and accessed for each component. The system has been proven efficient in information management and exchange by several scenario testings.
