Polymer Engineering Center > Research > Web-based Distributed Manufacturing Knowledge Management System

With the onset of the Internet and World Wide Web, traditional pillars of economic power – capital, land, plant, and labor – are no longer the main determinants of business success. Companies are beginning to realize that their competitive edge actually relies on the brainpower or the so-called "intellectual capital" of their employees and management. This research is aimed at developing a “Global Knowledge Network” to help organizations capture, preserve, re-use, and distribute engineering data, information, and their know-how related to their core business.

The design and manufacture processes in polymer processing consist of many tasks, from product conception to post-consumer recycling. These multidisciplinary tasks require extensive knowledge. In addition, these tasks are typically conducted by geographically dispersed teams. Although there are tools like Product Data Management (PDM) and Technical Document Management (TDM) software that allow engineers to access product information and CAD/CAM files throughout the development cycle, there remain a strong need to have a relevant, easily accessed knowledge library or repository for "timeless" design and manufacturing knowledge built upon previous tasks and experiences. The information technology (IT) revolution has provided an ideal platform for global and immediate access and dissemination of information.

During the course of this research, efforts will be made to establish a framework of a Global Knowledge Network system. With this framework, all design, processing, and business information is accessible via Internet, intranet, or extranet within the enterprise and its authorized partners, regardless of where and how the data is stored or generated. This proposed research is one of the key components for enabling the Internet-based collaboration in the design and manufacturing of plastic products. By using the approach and software developed in this research, industrial participants, such as product design and manufacturing firms, engineering consulting firms, CAD/CAM vendors and suppliers, and maintenance firms, can capture and transfer valuable but shapeless manufacturing knowledge into a solid, persistent "corporate memory".

For more information about CAD and CAM resources, see this directory of CAD and CAM related websites.