A case study: a network system for knowledge amplification in the product development process

Future product development is expected to evolve from the current stage, where the final commercial product is most important aspect of production, to the stage where the knowledge required for product development is of greatest significance. This study aims to construct an engineering management information system applicable to this new age of knowledge. Approaches are formulated from the standpoint of knowledge amplification in the engineering process. First, Sony's current product development process which is based on event management, product planning, and the subsequent design processes are analyzed to clarify the sequence of knowledge amplification. Then the sequence of knowledge amplification of individual engineers and that of the organization groups are analyzed, and a new network system supporting the product development process is proposed.