This pilot concept proposes a flexible, standard-centric, and extensible approach to design and engineering collaboration within an extended automotive enterprise without the use of complex and expensive systems integration approaches. Instead, it advocates the use of enterprise application integration (EAI) techniques to provide rapid and focused exchange of PDM data in the context of well-defined business processes.
Mutual Recognition Agreements
In December 1998, The European Union and the United States concluded Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) on conformity assessment. The U.S. - EU MRA is a bilateral agreement between the United States and the European Union that establishes procedures to facilitate transatlantic trade. The MRA recognizes that certain conformity assessment bodies (CABs) in Europe can conduct - in accordance with U.S. regulatory requirements - product approval type testing and quality system evaluations in a fashion equivalent to those conducted by the FDA. Similarly, it recognizes that CABs in the United States can conduct type testing and quality evaluations according to the EU Medical Device Directive. The agreements cover several industrial sectors and are based on acceptance by both Parties of test reports, certificates, and reports of inspections issued by one another's conformity assessment bodies (CABs) and authorities.
MRAs include lists of conformity assessment bodies, inspection bodies, and authorities, in both the EU and the United States. The full text of the U.S.- EU MRA can be accessed at http:⁄⁄www.mac.doc.gov⁄mra⁄mra.htm