Competence-cell-based approach to solution for distributed product development

In small and medium-sized enterprises, required development resources for innovative and complex products are often available on a limited basis only. Competence-cell-based networking is an approach to solution for cooperative fusions of elementary value-adding units struggling with such restraints. The article focuses on the representation of the competence cell "Product Development" that forms the base of the competence-cell-based product development process. The underlying description algorithms of product development competencies are discussed. Furthermore, existing strategies of engineering and product development are examined with respect to their applicability for the competence-cell-based approach. A development example of a mechatronic product demonstrates how the distributed design process can be configured using different competence cells and virtual reality technologies.