Product Attributes Database (PAD) is a computer program that enables a team of engineers, managers, and administrators involved in a product-development project to collaborate more effectively. PAD serves as a single, network-accessible repository for all essential parametric information (the data- base) that characterizes the project at any phase of implementation. PAD collects and organizes the data into a human-readable format so that any member of the team can gain access to the data and/or link the data to documents, reports, and presentations. The PAD information architecture includes interfaces to several software systems, including programs for engineering design and analysis, estimation of costs, testing and verification of designs, documentation, and display of data. These interfaces support real-time, collaborative engineering. Going beyond prior engineering- database programs, PAD includes both (1) a machine-interface subsystem that enables a variety of engineering and administrative programs to work together through the database over a network and (2) a human-interface subsystem, which provides a simple graphical user interface that enables a team member to read and write data from any network-accessible computer.
This work was done by Thomas Clymer, William Heinrichs, and Joel Sercel of Caltech for NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
This software is available for commercial licensing. Please contact Don Hart of the California Institute of Technology at (818) 393- 3425. Refer to NPO-20673.
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).
Product Attributes Database
(reference NPO-20673) is currently available for download from the TSP library.
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Overview
The document discusses the Product Attributes Database (PAD), a novel information system designed to enhance collaboration among engineers, managers, and administrators involved in product development projects. Developed by a team from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), including Thomas Clymer, William Heinrichs, and Joel Sercel, PAD serves as a centralized, network-accessible repository for essential parametric information that characterizes a project at any phase of its implementation.
PAD's architecture integrates various software systems, including tools for engineering design, cost estimation, testing and verification, documentation, and data display. This integration supports real-time collaborative engineering, allowing project team members to work together more effectively. The system features both a machine interface and a human interface. The machine interface enables different engineering and administrative tools to interact with the database over a network, while the human interface is facilitated through the Product Attributes Conversation Tool (PACT). PACT provides a simple graphical user interface (GUI) that allows team members to read and write data from any network-accessible computer, making it easy to access and utilize PAD data for individual or group purposes.
The database schema of PAD is organized around Products, Attributes, and States, forming Parameters with multiple Versions for each Parameter. This organization is aligned with a project's Product Breakdown Structure (PBS), ensuring that users can easily locate specific design parameters and understand how to name new parameters added to the database. The system has undergone beta testing and is currently in initial use phases with several flight projects at JPL.
The document also notes that PAD is available for commercial licensing, with interested parties encouraged to contact Don Hart at the California Institute of Technology for more information. It emphasizes that references to specific commercial products or services do not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government or JPL.
In summary, the PAD represents a significant advancement in engineering databases, combining robust data management capabilities with user-friendly interfaces to facilitate effective collaboration in product development projects.
