The shifting from the traditional manufacturing paradigm to a new, virtual and agile model is generally observed. Whereas the traditional model is characterised by the very limited information sharing, static organisational structure, and almost no co-operation among the competitors, the virtual and agile model introduces information sharing, collaboration, and dynamic organisation. Participatory design supports co-operation between users and system designers. Concurrent engineering especially focuses on co-operation between design and production. Total quality management requires co-operation between all departments of an enterprise.
Computer modelling is used in the whole engineering design process resulting in virtual prototypes.
The high edge technology is required to assure real-time, interactive engineering process. Already, much of collaborative work is based on Internet. This includes global collaboration, as well as enterprise-wide collaboration based on Intranets. New models of work are being created with tele-working and mobile working. A group of collaborating individuals working towards a common goal has a need for accessing some shared workspace through a common interface, and for communication.