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Abstract

A data processing method and a computer based data processing system for use in providing, or optimising, an industrial procedure for generating a product. The system comprising digital processing means, and digital storage means. The storage means having a database stored therein comprising (a) data defining generic product descriptions in terms of physical and/or functional elements and associated properties; b) data defined a plurality of generic process descriptions in terms of process activities, activity sequence, and associated process capabilities, at least one of said generic process descriptions including an iterative set of process activities, and; c) data defining rules relating to a) and b). The method comprising providing the system with specific product information for the product. This including information associating the product with one or more of the generic product descriptions and information defining constraints for the product in terms of said properties of the associated generic product descriptions. Then operating the digital processing means in accordance with the rules to derive for the specific product information, from the data of a) and b), a valid combination of the specific product information and a generic process description as the procedure for generating the product. The method and system being able to provide a detailed procedure description from which can be derived other results, for use with process visualisation tools and workflow planning tools for example.