TECHNOLOGY AS KNOWLEDGE - TOWARDS A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IN ELECTRONICS

This paper gives practical examples of the concept of knowledge manage ment with reference to an SME in the electronics sector, The study cov ers collaboration with the authors over a six year period. Whilst reco gnising the relatively immature stage of this emerging subject's devel opment, three practical demonstrations are given of its potential for enhancing the new product introduction process by analysing circuit de signs in the light of subsequent manufacturing data. In particular, th e power of inductive learning techniques is applied to thick film comp onent design. One particular example highlights its capacity to uncove r new knowledge directly from such data. The implications of this work are discussed, firstly for the management of the technology of design and manufacture and secondly for the improvement of business performa nce. Significant improvement in defect rates, process yields, stocktur ns per annum and turnover per head are reported.