Implementing Digital Enterprise Technologies for Agile Design in The Virtual Enterprise

Digital Enterprise Technology (DET) is defined as a synthesis of digital and physical systems across the product lifecycle which can be exploited for two main benefits: risk mitigation through consistent and seamless data standards; and reduction in product development times through improved access to the most accurate project data at any time, from anywhere, by anyone. Agility is defined as responsiveness to unpredictability, particularly unpredictable events in the environment external to a process. The general need for agile response in turbulent environments is well documented and has been analyzed at the manufacture phase.

This paper introduces a framework for an agile response to these turbulent environments during the design stages of product development. The Agile Design Framework is based on the founding principles described as DET, with the added benefit of reduced reaction time and therefore greater agility in the face of unpredicted external events. A 4 level classification scheme for event impact is discussed and a common toolbox of Digital Enterprise Technologies (Core Tools) for agile design is introduced. The paper proposes the implementation of the DET-based Core Tools during a meta-design stage, for maximum benefit from the synergies of the many systems.