The framework of agent-based concurrent engineering oriented distributed QFD system

Quality function development (QFD) is an important methodology for concurrent engineering. QFD contacts the customer requirements and production process. In distributed environment, customer requirements, multiple team members and process are geographically, culturally, and functionally diverse. It requires cooperation and conflict resolution among design, production and sales process. In this paper, we introduce a multi-agent-based distributed QFD framework, which orients concurrent engineering (MAS-CEQFD). In this framework, QFD core module, manufacture module, distributed TM module and market module are presented. Agents are used to emulate the entities, i.e. various module and their internal departments. The framework facilitates the development of the product design and the production process.