B-Rep (Boundary Representation) - An object is represented with surfaces (often defined with splines), vertices and edges that will interconnect them.
BOM (Bill Of Materials) - A list of parts that are required for one manufacturing step of a product. This is most commonly used when dealing with assemblies.
CAD (Computer Aided Design) - Computers are used to enter and analyze designs. These systems commonly use graphics to allow interactive definitions of geometries, and properties.
CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) - Computers are used to control, and drive manufacturing processes.
CAPP (Computer Aided Process Planning) - The process of converting a design to a set of manufacturing processes, using computers.
CIM (Computer Integrated Manufacturing) - The use of computers to bring together automated systems throughout a manufacturing company. Most commonly the CIM system is used to connect CAD systems to CAM systems. Common CIM functions include CAPP, PPC, etc.
CSG (Constructive Solid Geometry) - A method of assembling objects out of simpler primitives using basic operations such as Intersection, Union and Subtraction.
Generative Process Planning - This sort of planner will create process plans without reference to existing process plans.
GT (Group Technology) - A method of assigning codes to parts so that they tend to fall into groups. The codes may subsequently be used for recalling similar designs, or associated information (such as process plans).
Nested Boolean - A representation adopted for this thesis that uses brackets for every operation when representing Boolean equations. This representation was developed for use in this thesis.
Nonmanifold - Defines cases where the geometry of a part is not rational mathematically. This includes infinitely thin sections, point contacts, and lines with no volume.
Operation Planning - The later stage of process planning where the detailed process parameters are determined. For example, in machining we might get speeds, feeds, number of passes, specific tools, etc.
PPC (Production Planning and Control) - This software will combine orders for products and their process plans to develop a schedule for manufacturing. Modern systems can deal with short term control problems such as machine failure.
Process Planning - This term is used to refer to the selection of processes for the production of a part. This term is also used at a higher-level to also include the selection of operation values. Both uses have been historically used, and all attempts have been made to avoid ambiguities in the text.
Set Theoretic - Another name for CSG.
Variant Process Planning - A Variant process planner will recall previously created process plans for new designs, and allow subsequent editing to resolve any differences. The important distinguishing feature is that the planner uses plans that are variations of other plans.