A Data Model for Integration of the Precommissioning Life-Cycle Stages of the Shipbuilding Product

Abstract

This paper reports some aspects of the work being carried out on the NEUTRABAS project under the ESPRIT II European research program. The aim of this project is to specify and implement a neutral product definition database for large marine-related artifacts, covering a large part of the complete product life-cycle. The results of this research program will facilitate the effective exchange of product related data between disparate computer-based information systems, and hence promote a movement towards product life-cycle integration. The scope of the product model being developed as the basis for this integration is described in terms of its spatial and steel structural components, together with the implications for integration with other models of outfitting and engineering systems. The model is shown to encompass the wide range of product-related data which is associated with the various precommissioning stages of the product life-cycle. A suitable database architecture designed to support product data exchange and full life-cycle integration based on this product model is described and discussed.