Limitations in the current R&M~CAE viewpoint

The CAE (computer-aided engineering) capability for R&M (reliability and maintainability) engineering needs to be better integrated and more flexible to do the complete job. The tools must provide: multiphase capability (concept, trades, design, review, and data items); multiuser capability (systems, design, and R&M engineer); user-friendly man-machine interfaces (menus/windows and novice/expert mode); and integrated electronic interfaces (design analysis inputs, design documentation, supporting databases, and usable analysis outputs). It is suggested that, to make CAE work effectively, industry CAE users need to work with the CAE vendors to ensure that the vendors understand the real user environment and requirements. Clear definition and feedback must be provided to the tool developers. It is further argued that perhaps the most critical task for industry is to analyze, plan, and implement a design methodology that will effectively use CAE throughout the design team