Macro - A tool to support distributed MDO

This paper addresses a new way for handling distributed design know as the Macro concept. It is based round the assumption that future design teams will become more distributed in nature as industry exploits the Internet and other integrated communication and data exchange systems. The paper notes that this concept is part of an attack on the problems associated with the total process of Distribute Multi-Disciplinary design and Optimisation. The concepts rely on the creation of distributed self-building and self-organising teams made up from members who are globally distributed. The paper describes both the approach adopted and its implementation in a prototype software system operating over the Internet. In essence the work presented is describing a novel method for implementing a distributed design process which is far from complete but which is producing challenging ideas. © 2000 by Cranfield University.