Product Design Process Model in the Digital Factory Context

The paper presents a proposed approach for the product design process integration in the context of Digital Factory (DF) framework. Started from the presentation of the DF vision (concept definitions, characteristics, possible architectures) there have been identified that data and models integration is a core activity for the DF implementation. One of the major challenges of data consistency inside the DF is related to the heterogeneity of tools and methods used for different design activities, including simulations that could be done by different actors involved in the collaborative work. The article describes a possible solution to face this challenge. The research aims to develop and describe IT platform architecture (client-server) that can be implemented for the product design process (based on the systematic design model representation and Product Lifecycle Management modelling).