Should You Be Using KBE ?

These questions help identify engineering processes that are well suited to automation using KBE.

Answering yes to any of the questions below indicates that the process may be suitable for the implementation of KBE.

Process Definition

• Is there an existing / established process?
• Is the process controlled by a stable set of rules and methods  (e.g. standards, design codes, legislative requirements…)?
• Is the engineering knowledge required for the process limited within the business and / or critical to future activities?
• Is the process driven by knowledge or rules that are known to a limited number of people? 

Process Features

• Does the process require engineers to perform repetitive design / analysis activities? 
• Does the process require engineers to complete a lot of “what-if” type design / analysis activities? 
• Are there a lot of complicated relationships and dependencies between products and components (e.g. geometric, structural, electrical, chemical…)?
• Does the process involve the creation / modification / incorporation of existing geometric data (e.g. drawings, layouts, schemes...)?
• Does the current process meet all business needs or is it constrained by the current toolset?
• Is there a risk of late design changes and / or an iterative design requirement? 

Quality Control

• Could the quality of engineering data be improved by automating some or all steps within the process? 
• Could the risks associated with the process be reduced by automating some or all steps within the process (e.g. human error...)? 
• Are company best practice and quality procedures inconsistently implemented within the existing process? 

Business / Commercial

• Could the adoption of KBE enable the company to attract new business or become more efficient and competitive in an existing area?
• Is the training of staff for the process time consuming and / or a burden on current resources?
• Does the current process fail to meet business needs?

The GKN team will be very pleased to assist with any advice you may require on the applicability of using this technology against your specific work programme in order that particular needs are fully satisfied and delivered.