Methodology to Support a Collaborative DFX Process with Integration of PDM and Expert System Tools

Abstract

Designers need to reuse relevant knowledge types to make important decisions. These decisions are based not only on experience, but also on key knowledge global partners. A methodology to support information-knowledge management for global collaboration using DFX, PDM and Expert System tools is proposed. This new approach shows a manner to provide information from each stage of the product lifecycle to the designers through a PDM system. In addition, it includes a manner to store and share the knowledge created during the DFX process using an Expert System. This methodology provides integration to product realization technologies while supporting design stage in a collaborative environment when a large amount of information and knowledge to get a decision is required. The new approach implemented provides important benefits such as launching time and cost reduction, increased efficiency of designers and product innovation.