Information Derived from Technical Data in the Product Information Model

Additional information can be readily derived, on request, from the Product Information Model rather than it being explicitly stored. For example, if there is a rule that a stiffener is welded to an adjacent plate, then the amount of weld can be calculated from that rule and the stiffener model.

This concept of deriving information from the Product Information Model is also used in the modelling phase where it is often difficult, at that stage, to define the exact boundary and geometry of a model feature. For example, in the case of brackets the system includes sizing rules and application rules about the context in which a bracket may be used. In such instances the system can automatically calculate the full bracket geometry including all cutouts, stiffeners and flanges which make up the bracket, leaving the designer to specify the scantlings and material.