Knowledge-based Engineering in Product Development Processes - Process, IT and Knowledge Management perspectives

Product development as a field of practice and research has significantly changed due to the general trends of globalization changing the enterprise landscapes in which products are realized. The access to partners and suppliers with high technological specialization has also led to an increased specialization of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Furthermore, the products are becoming increasingly complex with a high functional and technological content and many variants. Combined with shorter lifecycles which require reuse of technologies and solutions, this has resulted in an overall increased knowledge intensity which necessitates a more explicit approach towards knowledge and knowledge management in product development. In parallel, methods and IT tools for managing knowledge have been developed and are more accessible and usable today. One such approach is knowledge-based engineering (KBE), a term that was coined in the mid-1980s as a label for applications which automate the design of rule-driven geometries. In this thesis the term KBE embraces the capture and application of engineering knowledge to automate engineering tasks, regardless of domain of application, and the thesis aims at contributing to a wider utilization of KBE in product development (PD). The thesis focuses on two perspectives of KBE; as a process improvement IT method and as a knowledge management (KM) method. In the first perspective, the lack of explicit regard for the constraints of the product lifecycle management (PLM) architecture, which governs the interaction of processes and IT in PD, has been identified to negatively affect the utilization of KBE in PD processes. In the second perspective, KM theories and models can complement existing methods for identifying potential for KBE applications.Regarding the first perspective, it is concluded that explicit regard for the PLM architecture decreases the need to develop and maintain software code related to hard coded redundant data and functions in the KBE application. The concept of service oriented architecture (SOA) has been found to enable an the explicit regard for the PLM architecture.. Regarding the second perspective, it is concluded that potential for KBE applications is indicated by: 1.) application of certain types of knowledge in PD processes 2.) high maturity and formalization of the applied knowledge 3.) a codification strategy for KM and 4.) an agreement and transparency regarding how the knowledge is applied, captured and transferred. It is also concluded that the formulation of explicit KM strategies in PD should be guided by knowledge application and its relation to strategic objectives focusing on types of knowledge, their role in the PD process and the methods and tools for their application. These, in turn, affect the methods and tools deployed for knowledge capture in order for it to integrate with the processes of knowledge origin. Finally, roles and processes for knowledge transfer have to be transparent to assure the motivation of individuals to engage in the KM strategy

Knowledge-based Engineering in Product Development Processes - Process, IT and Knowledge Management perspectives

Product development as a field of practice and research has significantly changed due to the general trends of globalization changing the enterprise landscapes in which products are realized. The access to partners and suppliers with high technological specialization has also led to an increased specialization of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Furthermore, the products are becoming increasingly complex with a high functional and technological content and many variants. Combined with shorter lifecycles which require reuse of technologies and solutions, this has resulted in an overall increased knowledge intensity which necessitates a more explicit approach towards knowledge and knowledge management in product development. In parallel, methods and IT tools for managing knowledge have been developed and are more accessible and usable today. One such approach is knowledge-based engineering (KBE), a term that was coined in the mid-1980s as a label for applications which automate the design of rule-driven geometries. In this thesis the term KBE embraces the capture and application of engineering knowledge to automate engineering tasks, regardless of domain of application, and the thesis aims at contributing to a wider utilization of KBE in product development (PD). The thesis focuses on two perspectives of KBE; as a process improvement IT method and as a knowledge management (KM) method. In the first perspective, the lack of explicit regard for the constraints of the product lifecycle management (PLM) architecture, which governs the interaction of processes and IT in PD, has been identified to negatively affect the utilization of KBE in PD processes. In the second perspective, KM theories and models can complement existing methods for identifying potential for KBE applications.Regarding the first perspective, it is concluded that explicit regard for the PLM architecture decreases the need to develop and maintain software code related to hard coded redundant data and functions in the KBE application. The concept of service oriented architecture (SOA) has been found to enable an the explicit regard for the PLM architecture.. Regarding the second perspective, it is concluded that potential for KBE applications is indicated by: 1.) application of certain types of knowledge in PD processes 2.) high maturity and formalization of the applied knowledge 3.) a codification strategy for KM and 4.) an agreement and transparency regarding how the knowledge is applied, captured and transferred. It is also concluded that the formulation of explicit KM strategies in PD should be guided by knowledge application and its relation to strategic objectives focusing on types of knowledge, their role in the PD process and the methods and tools for their application. These, in turn, affect the methods and tools deployed for knowledge capture in order for it to integrate with the processes of knowledge origin. Finally, roles and processes for knowledge transfer have to be transparent to assure the motivation of individuals to engage in the KM strategy

Product lifecycle management technology assessment: a case study in the industrial equipment industry

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) adoption is very important for companies to sustain and stay competitive in market particularly to the organizations that involving from design to manufacturing. Many companies are struggling whether to adopt PLM because implementing PLM involves very extensive changes in intra and inter-organizational practices. PLM assessment is an important activity in the pre-implementation stage to determine the scope of implementation. However, the requirements and scope of implementation are always influenced by the users’ paradigm of “needs” instead of the company’s current PLM maturity level. This research covered the PLM assessment in using Capability Maturity Model (CMM) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) focused in PLM technology components. The research was based on case study approach conducted in an Industrial Equipment company. The scope of assessment was to investigate the technology components in respect to data, process and methodology. The empirical results showed PLM technology components prioritization determined through the hierarchy analysis could provide more consistent output compared to user’s direct judgement. The authors argue that PLM assessment in technology components prioritization requires consideration of its maturity level because the outcomes provide a better guideline to define a strategic roadmap for PLM implementation

Applying model-driven paradigm: CALIPSOneo experience

Model-Driven Engineering paradigm is being used by the research community in the last years, obtaining suitable results. However, there are few practical experiences in the enterprise field. This paper presents the use of this paradigm in an aeronautical PLM project named CALIPSOneo currently under development in Airbus. In this context, NDT methodology was adapted as methodology in order to be used by the development team. The paper presents this process and the results that we are getting from the project. Besides, some relevant learned lessons from the trenches are concluded.Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación TIN2010-20057-C03-02Junta de Andalucía TIC-578

Product lifecycle management in degree level teaching with Teamcenter PLM software

Despite the situation that product lifecycle management is heavily used in Finnish manufacturing industry, some Finnish educational institutions have not implemented practical PLM system functionalities into educational program. Common situation among educational institutions is that PLM training is mainly theoretical. Even when PLM software is implemented it is mainly used as data storage system. However, PLM system is much more than data storage. The lack of effective product lifecycle management training environment influences negatively to graduated students PLM skills. Increased communication, control of processes and single source of information are main benefits of a PLM system. This research studies the most relevant focus areas in Product lifecycle Management theoretical and practical teaching based on the requirements gathered from Finnish Manufacturing Industry. This research is focusing on the most important theoretical PLM focus areas, but also the most common practical PLM applications, processes and use cases in Finnish manufacturing industry. Based on the requirements of Finnish Manufacturing Industry, Teamcenter PLM software is implemented and configured to support practical degree level teaching. Research clarifies the current PLM knowledge of graduated students and gives recommendations about degree level PLM teaching arrangements. Both theoretical and practical teaching are considered. Based on the findings gathered from 35 Finnish manufacturing companies, relevant PLM use cases, processes and application are implemented to support Product Lifecycle management education with Teamcenter PLM software. Furthermore, the importance of different theoretical PLM topics is clarified based on the opinions of PLM professionals. This study utilizes design science research method to gather empirical data from different manufacturing companies. The foundation of PLM research presented in literature review provides the framework for this study. These studies provide the background information about PLM and how the implementation of PLM system can provide business benefits. This research proposes configured Teamcenter PLM environment for Finnish educational institutions to serve as a foundation of PLM system. Furthermore, the suggested PLM artifact is demonstrated, evaluated and communicated to specified target audience.Tuotteen elinkaaren hallinnan käyttö Suomalaisessa valmistavassa teollisuudessa on lisääntynyt viime vuosina merkittävästi. Käytön laajentumisesta huolimatta Suomen korkeakoulut eivät ole vielä täysin ottaneet käyttöön ohjelmistopohjaista käytännön opetusta. Yleinen tilanne on, että tuotteen elinkaaren hallintaa opetataan vain teoria tasolla, ja vaikka tuotetiedonhallinta ohjelmisto olisikin käyttöönotettu, se toimii pääasiassa datan tallennuspaikkana. Tuotteen elinkaaren hallinta ohjelmiston opetuksen puute vaikuttaa negatiivisesti valmistuvien opiskelijoiden PLM osaamiseen. PLM järjestelmän etuja ovat lisääntynyt kommunikaatio, kontrolloidut prosessit ja yhteinen tiedonlähde. Tämä tutkimus keskittyy löytämään merkityksellisimmät fokus alueet tuotteen elinkaaren hallinnan teoria opetuksessa ja käytännön opetuksessa. Tulokset perustuvat aineistoon joka on kerätty Suomalaisen valmistavan teollisuuden PLM asiantuntijoilta. Tämä tutkimus keskittyy merkittävimpiin ja tärkeimpiin PLM teoria alueisiin, mutta myös Suomen valmistavassa teollisuudessa käytetyimpiin PLM järjestelmän aplikaatioihin, prosesseihin ja käyttötapauksiin. Teamcenter PLM järjestelmä käyttöönotetaan ja konfiguroidaan tukemaan korkeakoulu opetusta. Tutkimuksessa selvitetään tämän hetkinen valmistuvien opiskelijoiden tietämys ja annetaan suosituksia kuinka PLM opetus tulisi järjestää Suomen korkeakouluissa. Sekä teoria opetus, että käytännön opetus on huomioitu tukimuksessa. Tärkeimmät Teamcenter PLM järjestelmän ominaisuudet käyttöönotetaan ja konfiguroidaan opetuksen tueksi. Järjestelmän vaatimukset perustuvat 35:een Suomen valmistavassa teollisuudessa toimivan yrityksen vaatimuksiin. Tärkeimmät Teamcenter PLM ohjelmiston ominaisuudet, prosessit ja käyttötapaukset huomioidaan tutkimuksessa. Teoreettisen opetuksen tärkeimmät osa-alueet selvitetään kyselyn avulla Suomen valmistavan teollisuuden PLM asiantuntijoilta. Tutkimuksessa hyödynnetään Design Science Research metodia. Tutkimuksen lähtökohtana on kirjallisuus analyysi, joka antaa taustatietoa tukimukselle. Tässä tutkimuksessa annetaan suosituksia PLM opetuksen järjestämisestä Suomen korkeakouluissa, sekä suositellaan Teamcenter PLM ohjelmiston käyttöönottoa ja konfigurointia tukemaan tuotteen elinkaaren hallinnan opetusta

Integration of substance compliance and a product lifecycle management system in case organization

Abstract. Substance compliance is the field of identifying applicable product material regulations and managing the product composition to match those regulations. As the various regulations expand and new standards are added, manufacturers must take increased precautions to ensure their products are in line with the latest regulations and standards for example by developing system integrations to ensure better management processes. This thesis aims to study the development and implementation of an integration of a substance compliance management system with a product lifecycle management (PLM) system in a case organization. The perspective is on identifying how an integration of substance compliance and a PLM system can be conducted and what to take into consideration when introducing such an interface to current operations. The research methods used were two sets of semi-structured interviews and participatory observations. The findings of this study indicate that substance compliance has connections to data quality. In the case organization in particular, in order to fully grasp the benefits of the integration, special care should be put into completing a three-step plan focused on improving data quality management, using change management to introduce the integration, and utilizing an early and proactive approach to substance compliance. The study largely focuses on giving actionable improvement recommendations, but it also contributes to the substance compliance literature by conducting a brief literature study on the topic and showing the connection of product data quality with the field of study.Aineiden vaatimustenmukaisuuden hallitsemisen ja tuotteen elinkaaren hallintajärjestelmän yhdistäminen kohdeyrityksessä. Tiivistelmä. Aineiden vaatimustenmukaisuuden hallitseminen on ala, jossa tunnistetaan tuotemateriaalien lainsäädännöllisiä vaatimuksia ja varmistetaan, että tuote ei sisällä vaatimustenvastaisia aineita. Tuotemateriaaleja koskevien säädösten määrän kasvaessa elektroniikkavalmistajien on huolehdittava entistä tarkemmin, että heidän tuotteensa noudattavat viimeisimpiä lainsäädäntöjä ja standardeja. Yksi tapa tehdä näin on esimerkiksi panostaa systeemien yhdistämiseen, joka takaa paremmat hallintaprosessit. Tämän diplomityön tarkoitus on tutkia aineiden vaatimustenmukaisuuden ja tuotteen elinkaaren hallintajärjestelmän yhdistämistä kohdeyrityksessä. Pääpaino työssä on tunnistaa, miten kahden järjestelmän yhdistäminen voidaan toteuttaa, sekä mitä tulisi ottaa huomioon yhdistetyn järjestelmän käyttöönotossa. Diplomityössä käytettiin kahta eri puolistrukturoitua haastattelua sekä osallistuvia havainnointeja tutkimusmenetelminä. Tutkimustulokset osoittavat, että aineiden vaatimustenmukaisuudella on yhteys tuotedatan laatuun. Jotta kohdeyrityksessä voitaisiin ottaa täysi hyöty yhdistetystä järjestelmästä, tulisi yrityksen toteuttaa kolmiaskeleinen parannussuunnitelma. Suunnitelman tavoite on parantaa tuotedatanlaadun hallintaa, hyödyntää muutosjohtamisen oppeja järjestelmän kehittämiseen ja käyttöönottoon, ja edesauttaa kohdeyritystä ennakoivaan aineiden vaatimustenmukaisuuteen. Työ keskittyy suurimmaksi osaksi kohdeyrityksen parannusehdotusten antamiseen, mutta se myös edistää aineiden vaatimustenmukaisuuteen kohdistuvaa kirjallisuutta pienellä kirjallisuuskatsauksella ja esittämällä linkin tuotedatan laadun kanssa