Enhancing product development through knowledge‐based engineering (KBE): A case study in the aerospace industry

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show with figures the potentialities of knowledge‐based engineering (KBE) methods in new product development (NPD). It estimates the business value generated by a tool which integrates the handoff between engineering groups of a large aerospace company.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on three years of observation and interviews at a leading Italian firm. A process‐based approach is used for assessing business value.

Findings

The KBE application automated the preparation of data transferred to computer‐aided engineering engineers for analysis by computer‐aided design engineers and reduced the time required by more than 90 percent. This allowed time savings which contributed to enhance product quality.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is based on a single case, though its findings are consistent with prior studies. Future research will implement like applications in other contexts at the subject firm and other firms.

Practical implications

The paper helps managers to understand the uses and potential value of KBE applications, enhancing the awareness of NPD practitioners in a field which is still partially untapped.

Originality/value

The paper combines discussion of the technical aspects of implementing a KBE tool with estimates of performance improvement achieved. It can be a useful illustration of a good practice and a proof‐of‐concept for further implementations in complex engineering settings.

Citation

Corallo, A., Laubacher, R., Margherita, A. and Turrisi, G. (2009), "Enhancing product development through knowledge‐based engineering (KBE): A case study in the aerospace industry", Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 20 No. 8, pp. 1070-1083. https://doi.org/10.1108/17410380910997218