KNOWLEDGE REPRESENTATION FOR INTEGRATED MODELS OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES.

Abstract

The theme of this session is the concept of knowledge sufficiency, i. e. the depth of detail needed for any step of the product life cycle, in order to make sensible decisions. The value of the imprecise or qualitative knowledge is discussed, with reference to methods of imprecise reasoning, e. g. , as used in expert-systems. Ways of radically improving overall reliability by focusing attention on critical problem areas in the design steps are considered. Some future possibilities, such as 'fitness-for-purpose' planning of production control are addressed, with accent on the economic gains of an integrated approach.