Computer-integrated product creation Is the next step

SAE 100 Future look: Automotive engineering in the 21st century is evolving beyond simultaneous engineering (SE) to what Ricardo calls Computer Integrated Product Creation (CPIC).

CIPC represents a subtle, yet significant shift in product development because it links all of the elements of product creation and development, including concepting, engineering, development, sales, and service together through a central hub or core, called the Virtual Product Space (VPS).

This process is in contrast to SE, which uses a relatively traditional approach to the product-creation process and only implements CAE methods as a tool set to enhance and support those traditional processes. In CIPC, the entire product and process evolves in the VPS and any of the more traditional CAE tools that are created are exploited to assist during various aspects of the product design and development cycle.