Intelligent Integration of Time Compressing Tools into a Networked Engineering Workflow

System development nowadays takes place not only in one place or company but more often as a global partnership between several companies. During the last decade a number of time compression tools as Rapid Prototyping (RP), Rapid Tooling (RT), and DMU-technologies (Digital Mock Up) have been established. To obtain the most benefit from these technologies, they need to be implemented into adapted development strategies e.g. frontloading. A networked global development of complex systems or products demands highly sophisticated, flexible process management. Tools and rules which aim in this direction are developed as engineering workflow (EWF). This article gives an overview of the characteristic features and the scope EWF. It shows the requirements and action needed for the introduction and use of workflow systems. It also deals with the concepts and activities behind single activities of the base project iViP (innovative Technologies and Systems for an integrated virtual product development) of the BMBF (Federal Ministry of Education and Research) of science and industry experts to demonstrate the importance of the subject and common requirements, as well as to create new and innovative solutions in co-operation between users, software providers, and research institutes.