  Aiming at automating the different trades intervening in mechanical parts'
design activities, one finds the weakest link within the interface linking the
computer aided-design trade (CAD) and the process planning trade (CAPP) where a
huge semantic gap is detected. Works generally tends to optimize the
pre-process planning trade (design/CAD) and post-process planning trade
(machinning/CAM). So as to bridge in between CAD and CAPP we present at first
support functions that helps a process planner setting a process plan for an
aircraft structural part. The proposed functions will be forwarded in the same
order the planner questions himself during his first analysis. Each function is
justified by presenting the need behind. We end up on the benefits of having
such an assistance tool as we mention the future perspectives of our works.
