Embedded_Knowledge

Embedded Knowledge Can Drive Innovation Paul Brown

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How do knowledge systems support new product development? Much has been written about knowledge-based engineering (KBE) systems and the role they play in new product development. Some speculate that these systems only automate the task of creating product iterations by using a rulebased repository as a starting point versus a blank sheet of paper. Rather than promoting innovation, they force design engineers into using existing data and don't allow for the freedom of creative thinking. Others state that these systems propagate innovation by automating routine work that goes into design engineering and engineering process management, therefore allowing more time for creative work, which is the fuel of innovation. To maximize the benefit of this automation, the knowledge rules have to be closely embedded into the product development system. Stand-alone KBE solutions restrict the ability to adapt designs while ensuring adherence to product rules.

Taking this approach, companies can devote more time to identifying real market problems, or requirements, and more time to looking at alternative solutions—both fundamental activities in product innovation.

KBE SOLUTIONS RESTRICT TH E ABILITY TO ADAPT DESIGNS WHILE ENSURING ADHERENCE TO PRODUCT RULES.

Can you provide an example? A typical example of this can be found in the area of machinery design, where it is common to use processes such as configure-to-order or engineer-to-order. Companies often find that 75 percent of the requirements can be met with a standard modular design. Using knowledge-driven tools to generate the correct configuration, designers can complete By capturing and automating product en- the design, allowing for a mix of innovation gineering and process standards, KBE syswhile reaping the benefits of design reuse. tems automate the achievement of lowerdifficulty product goals and ensure that the How do rules-based solutions support incontent of the product that embodies dustry best practices? Rules-based soluknown concepts is developed extremely effi- tions can ensure that industry best practices ciently. Development teams can then apply can be embedded (i.e., for mold design), more of their energies to higher-difficulty reusing standard parts and allowing confiproduct functional and requirements analy- dence in design. However, embedding them sis, value identification, and breakthrough within the design solution ensures that the product scenarios. designer has a wide range of tools available to enhance the design and enable the creation of variations that potentially improve What is the benefit of embedding knowlefficiency and deliver innovations. edge-based tools within the design solution? Embedding knowledge-based tools within the design solution allows compa-

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nies to capture both tacit and explicit knowledge for reuse, but does not restrict the designer from experimenting and attempting "what-if" investigations. Allowing the combination of rules-driven design with traditional design tools enables designers to generate rhe core design based upon known best practices then add custom design elements and use the rule base to verify conditions such as manufacturability or fitness for purpose.

Reach Brown atpauLbrown@ugs.com.