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An upper-level functional design ontology to support knowledge management in SME-based E-Manufacturing of mechanical products

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 September 2009

Alessandro Mosca ,
Matteo Palmonari  and
Fabio Sartori
Alessandro Mosca
Affiliation:
Complex Systems and Artificial Intelligence Research Centre, University of Milan—Bicocca, viale Sarca, 336, 20126 Milan, Italy; e-mail: ale.m@disco.unimib.it, matteo.palmonari@disco.unimib.it, sartori@disco.unimib.it
Matteo Palmonari
Affiliation:
Complex Systems and Artificial Intelligence Research Centre, University of Milan—Bicocca, viale Sarca, 336, 20126 Milan, Italy; e-mail: ale.m@disco.unimib.it, matteo.palmonari@disco.unimib.it, sartori@disco.unimib.it
Fabio Sartori
Affiliation:
Complex Systems and Artificial Intelligence Research Centre, University of Milan—Bicocca, viale Sarca, 336, 20126 Milan, Italy; e-mail: ale.m@disco.unimib.it, matteo.palmonari@disco.unimib.it, sartori@disco.unimib.it
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Abstract

This paper presents a conceptual and computational framework for supporting the development of knowledge management systems based on ontology design and implementation. This framework supports enterprises involved in the design and manufacturing of complex mechanical products: in particular, we focus our attention on a network of small/medium Italian enterprises that collaborates in the production of a supermotard bike called Terra Modena 198. Starting from some theoretical considerations about the role of ontologies in engineering design, this paper reflects on the difficulties that arise when knowledge is distributed, and misunderstanding and communication problems among partners could easily lead to errors in the final product.

Type
Original Article
Information
The Knowledge Engineering Review , Volume 24 , Special Issue 3: Software and system engineering – part 2 , September 2009 , pp. 265 - 285
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2009

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