TOWARDS KNOWLEDGE-BASED PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT - THE 3-D CAD MODEL OF KNOWLEDGE CREATION

This paper argues that new 3-D CAD systems can play a central role in the creation of knowledge-based product development systems. Based on a model of product development and knowledge creation which incorporat es 3-D CAD technology, the paper argues that information technologies can contribute not only to efficiency improvements but also to improve d hypothesis creation capabilities in engineers and organizations thro ugh technical features such as full visualization, digital pre-assembl y and simulation. This paper also discusses the factors that hinder th e effective introduction of 3-D CAD technology as well as the potentia l management and organizational requirements for successful adaptation . Firms need to have both long-term and system-level perspectives and they need engineers who have a broader set of integrated skills that w ere previously scattered over multiple functions. (C) 1998 Elsevier Sc ience B.V.