CAE¿key issues for future success

In the past few years, there has been significant expenditure on CAE, but most of the systems acquired have been at a low level (for example two-dimensional drafting) and functionally isolated from each other. For future success, the industry must raise its sights as to what can practically be achieved in integrating these systems. This paper reviews the key issues in achieving integrated CAE systems, including standardisation on manufacturing data exchange, networking of hardware, effective process planning, expert systems, changing suppliers´ attitudes, large company investments in `model¿ implementations, and the manpower implications of technological change.