STEP based data exchange with legacy systems

There is in general a mismatch between the product data held in existing company systems and the data required for STEP-based data exchange. An architectural model is developed with a view to identifying the problems caused by this mismatch, and a possible solution to the problems is described. The article focuses on the major components of the architecture, important features being the use of rules to control exchanges, and the integration of engineering data management to ensure that the correct data is exchanged.