Multisite PLM Platform - Enterprise Information Systems Design, Implementation and Management: Organizational Applications - page 462

Figure 3. A0 Diagram: Product lifecycle activities as the base of product model

phase, after a functional analysis and a study of
possible technical alternatives available for each
function and sub-function a concept for the design
object is usually chosen. The goal in the embodi-
ment design phase is to determine the shape and
the dimensions of the artifact. During the detail
design phase are mentioned the components of
the product and are formalized the papers needed
for preparing the supply and manufacturing the
components.
The A2 activity's inputs are the product task topic
and the feedback information from manufacturing,
use and disposal phases. Using design methods
and the study of possible alternatives there can be
chosen the conceptual solution which followed the
embodiment design and detailed design phases;
the process planning is then, defined. Finally, is
defined the product file and the manufacturing
file that are needed for the following activities
associated with the product manufacturing and use.
Companies that design successfully have carefully
crafted Product Creation Processes (PCP) that
extends over all phases of product development
from initial planning to customer follow-up. Their
PCP is their plan for continuous improvement.
The decision to develop and operate under a
PCP is a corporate one. Successful operation of

a PCP requires extensive cooperation among a
firm's marketing and sales, financial, design, and
manufacturing organizations. In the idealized ac-
count of the PCP, everyone cooperates, desired
quality is achieved, and the product succeeds in
the marketplace. In practice, the process is dif-
ficult and full of conflict and risk. Converting a
concept into a complex, multi-technology product
involves many steps of refinement. The design
process requires a great deal of analysis, investi-
gation of basic physical processes, experimental
verification, complex tradeoffs between conflict-
ing elements, and difficult decisions. Satisfying
the different and conflicting needs of function,
manufacturing, use, and support requires a great
deal of knowledge and skill.
A3 Activity: Manufacturing includes prepara-
tion and resources allocation for the components
manufacturing deployment and for product as-
sembly and so, it becomes ready for delivery. The
information results from the manufacturing phase
are included in the manufacturing management file
that can be use for product design improvement.
A4 Activity: Use. The manufactured product has
delivered to the user and his/her expectations have
to be satisfied through the use phase. During the
use phase, the product is liable to maintainable