Product Knowledge Management Within Knowledge-Based Engineering Systems

Abstract

Abstract Knowledge-based engineering systems are now becoming more commonplace in engineering industry. There is a need to ensure the technology is used correctly and to provide the user with all the possible benefits that the system can offer. This paper looks at how product knowledge can be managed within knowledge-based engineering systems to ensure that the knowledge retains its value and usefulness during the product lifecycle. Presently, the use of these systems has been for the short-term benefit of the company. However, it is believed that it is important to consider longer-term issues also, since knowledge normally has a half-life of around 20 years. The main aim of this paper is to demonstrate the need for product knowledge management within knowledge-based engineering systems by looking at key issues that are related to the longer-term use of these systems. This paper will also provide a product knowledge management scheme for the development and management of product knowledge within knowledge-based engineering systems, thereby extending the benefits of knowledge-based engineering systems into the longer-term.