Changed demand for knowledge at enhanced product definition in PLM systems

This paper discusses the knowledge based aspect of an enhanced product model by the authors in which background of product information is modeled at object modeling assisted electronic definition of products. The introducing issue is role of knowledge in product modeling considering main schema of product definition. Definition of knowledge for indirect communication between engineers by the interpretation of product model is discussed through human thinking driven product definition, sources of human intent at product definition, and concept of extension of product definition to information content. A concept is shown for the modeling of advising background knowledge as information content considering engineering objects in real world product structure. A new multilevel product model is detailed. In this model, enhanced human intent based decision making is assisted by organized engineering object information and information content on levels of product model. Finally, some future plans are outlined for the work that is devoted as a contribution to intelligent product modeling for the every day engineering in product lifecycle management (PLM) systems.