An integrated knowledge reference system for product development

Global product development enables companies to increase knowledge sharing. Consequently, knowledge management (KM) is a key issue in the improvement of the product development process. This paper aims to analyze the knowledge evolution process in product development activities and to propose an integrated knowledge reference system. Based on knowledge characterization of vector and finite state machines, knowledge maturity and knowledge value are discussed, and knowledge and the product are linked by tasks and contexts. The knowledge reference system shows a mutually benefiting relationship between knowledge and the product and is thus an effective tool for KM in product development.