Knowledge representation and re-use in FMEA

The research described in this paper addresses the ability rapidly and easily to create product variants through the capture and re-use of design and manufacturing knowledge. New methodologies are envisaged that enable companies to anticipate problems before they occur, thus transferring them from ‘reactive’ to ‘predictive’. The implementation of predictive design represents the crucial move from standard parts to standard knowledge constructs. Standard parts can be used in any application that requires a defined function where the shape and properties do not need to be altered. However, standard knowledge constructs can provide parts that can be used wherever the function is required. Examples of the technique are presented from recently completed research concerning FMEA applied to electronic products.