Towards unified modelling of product life-cycles

This paper presents the potential of modelling a product's life-cycle using the Unified Modelling Language (UML). The potential benefits and limitations are discussed. An example of a vacuum cleaner is cited in support of this approach. Model consistency across the various life cycle stages of the product is of major concern and an algorithm for constraint management is proposed and prospective research directions highlighted. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.