General application tools for concurrent engineering

A cross section of general types of tools for supporting the systems development process through concurrent engineering methods is presented. Many of these tools actually precede the term concurrent engineering; however, each of these tools contributes to the process of taking an operational concept from paper to product. It is pointed out that those companies that can best translate their customers´ needs into design information and most consistently produce products that satisfy that need will survive the economic battle. These tools represent state-of-the art weaponry for global economic competition