A little knowledge is a wondrous thing [CAD]

Knowledge is defined and distinguished from data. In manufacturing, knowledge-based engineering (KBE) involves a generic product model consisting of a description of the components of a product or product range, the relationships between them, and rules. What gives it its unique character is the use of geometric rules and their association to enable the automatic generation and modification of CAD models. KBE capabilities may be embedded within a CAD package. This is the approach taken for ICAD by Knowledge Technologies International (KTI). Alternatively, KBE software can be linked to, or integrated with, CAD software. The article describes various uses of KBE in CAD, and its usefulness to small and medium-sized enterprises