Evaluation of Shipbuilding CAD/CAM/CIM Systems - Phase II (Requirements for Future Systems)
Abstract
The Phase II Report of NSRP project 4-94-1 documents an analysis of CAD/CAM/CIM in shipyards, ship-design software firms, and allied industries in Europe, Japan and the U.S. The purpose of the analysis was two fold: 1. To describe the requirements of a competitive, future-oriented computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing/computer-integrated management (CAD/CAMYCIM) system for shipbuilding and 2. To describe how shipyard business goals may be used as the basis for selecting requirements for a shipyard CAD/CAM/CIM system. In carrying out the analysis, the project team concluded that increased utilization of CAD/CAM/CIM is necessary in order for U.S. shipyards to become competitive worldwide. The technology is already wide ranging in world-class shipyards, spanning design, manufacturing and management. However, there are opportunities for U.S. yards not only to catch up with but to leapfrog, the competition. Numerous areas exist for innovation particularly in areas of integration. Indeed, one U.S. company has successfully developed a datacentric approach that has dramatically strengthened its business position in the world market. The team also concluded that European and Japanese shipyards have succeeded in part by recognizing that a shipyard's executive level management has a specific role to play in implementing CAD/CAM/CIM technology. The role requires becoming familiar with the capabilities of the technology, considering the technology when developing shipyard business strategies and working with technical management to translate business objectives into priorities for the selection and implementation of the most appropriate parts of the technology for each shipyard.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA446310
Entities
People
- John Horvath
- Jonathan M. Ross
Organizations
- National Steel and Shipbuilding Company