Data modeling techniques have been used extensively in the development of an emerging standard for the exchange of product design and manufacturing information. PDES, Inc., an industry cooperative, is applying resources to accelerate the development and implementation of this emerging standard, the Product Data Exchange Specification (PDES). An objective of PDES, Inc. is to validate the completeness and usability of the specification. This paper describes some strategic and technical issues which directly impact this effort. Experience with actual validation activities identified the need to develop additional requirements documentation. This paper serves as the background for a series of papers which will describe the actual methods and processes used in the requirements specification activity. Three types of results came out of this requirements activity. The form of the project deliverables changed considerably. Insights on conducting requirements activities were identified. New issues on the relationship of this work to portions of the specification were identified.
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