This text details approaches that should significantly improve design/manufacturing technology development and deployment capabilities for civilian as well as defence applications. The proposed approach is an integrated product, process and system design (IPPSD) initiative that should enhance the manufacturing competitiveness of an economy. These approaches involve the use of simulation and modelling tools and computerized virtual workstations in conjunction with a design environment which allows a diverse group of researchers, manufacturers, and suppliers, to work within a comprehensive network of shared knowledge. This IPPSD infrastructure consists of virtual workstations and servers and a suite of simulations, quantitative, computational, analytical, experimental and qualitative tools. Such an IPPSD infrastructure should permit complete product design, manufacturing process design, and customer satisfaction predictions, effectively and efficiently.
