EXPERIENCES WITH PRODUCT DATA INTERCHANGE - ON PRODUCT MODELS, INTEGRATION, AND STANDARDIZATION

Based on the empirical input of several Dutch projects, we have analys ed the developments in the field of Product Data Interchange (PDI). We will pay attention to five aspects of PDI: (1) the participants invol ved in the exchange process, (2) the techniques that are used, (3) the semantics included in the product descriptions, (4) the standards use d, and (5) the level up to which PDI has been introduced. Our main foc us is on technical aspects such as interoperability and standardisatio n, although organisational aspects will be discussed as well. Project experiences with the ISO standard STEP, which is called the keystone f or future PDI and CE applications, will get further attention. Finally , the results of our analysis are summarised in a categorisation of PD I projects and some recommendations.