Information flow and simulation support in the product development process

This paper consists of a case study of the product development process at Indexator AB, manufacturer of rotators for heavy equipment. The process has been studied concerning the information flow and computer support in the engineering design department and its interacting departments. It is shown that the company has a clear view of how information flows and which computer tools they use in the different parts of the processes. The advantage of using computer tools for analysis and planning is seen. Ways of communication and information flows concerning the design processes can sometimes happen in unplanned ways. Lack of integration between the different computer tools leads to unnecessary regeneration of the product information in the different parts of the development process