Abstract: Although the principles of concurrent engineering andrapid product cycles are not new concepts in theindustrial sector, the optics manufacturing industryhas witnessed few technological advances since the1940's. At present the optics industry maintainsoutdated stand-alone manufacturing equipment andsystems that do little to foster integration orcommunications. 'Islands of Technology', spawned fromthe latest offerings of CNC controlled equipment, aregenerally stand alone systems incapable of supportingcommunication with other process equipment, not tomention the total business enterprise. This approachincreases the cost in design and manufacture of opticalsystems while negatively impacting competitiveness inthe global marketplace.!0
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