Selection of the proper materials for a structural component is critical in engineering design. Existing design procedures may currently be sufficient, especially where experience exists, but fierce industrial competition is spurring the search for improved methods and tools. The main drivers are quality, life-cycle cost, time-to-market and material selection. Improved design efficiency and accuracy may depend on specific material selection. This paper discusses the one of the Concurrent Engineering integration strategies i.e., “selection of material” using neural networks that can be adapted for successful integration within industry and beyond using XML and web services. The introduction of computerized design and analysis systems offered the promise of selecting the right material for an optimized design early in the product development cycle. This requires consistent and high-quality material information throughout the design to manufacturing process.