This paper describes a multi-agent approach to the integration of product d
esign, manufacturability analysis, and process planning in a distributed ma
nner. The objective is to develop a distributed concurrent engineering syst
em to allow geographically dispersed entities to work cooperatively towards
overall system goals. In the paper, an agent-based concurrent engineering
system concerning product design and manufacturing planning, and its fundam
ent al framework and functions are presented. The proposed model considers
constraints and requirements from the different product development cycles
in the early development phases and fully supports the concept of design-fo
r-manufacturability. This methodology uses conflict resolution (CR) techniq
ues and design-improvement suggestions to refine the initial product design
. The model comprises a facilitator agent, a console agent and six service
agents. Each service agent is used to model different product development p
hases, and the console agent acts as an interacting interface between desig
ners and the system, while the facilitator is responsible for the decomposi
tion and dispatch of tasks, and resolving conflicts of poor designs. A prot
otype system for part design, manufacturability analysis, and process plann
ing has been implemented. The performance of the prototype system shows tha
t it could be extended to include other service agents, such as assemblabil
ity analysis, to become a comprehensive distributed concurrent engineering
system for geographically dispersed customers and suppliers.