From data to model consistency in shared engineering environments

Collaborative and concurrent engineering can be greatly facilitated by enhanced interoperability and consistency of data and tools based on the use of common shared models. In the paper, we examine the situation in model-based collaborative work and discuss the different types of models that are needed and have to be dealt with in a shared engineering environment. On the basis of a generalized cooperation scenario we then address consistency problems related to the model data and present a set of methods for their solution, including model view extraction, model mapping, knowledge-based consistency checking, model matching, model reintegration and model merging.