Content area
Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to show with figures the potentialities of knowledge-based engineering (KBE) methods in new product development (NPD). It estimates the business value generated by a tool which integrates the handoff between engineering groups of a large aerospace company. Design/methodology/approach - The paper is based on three years of observation and interviews at a leading Italian firm. A process-based approach is used for assessing business value. Findings - The KBE application automated the preparation of data transferred to computer-aided engineering engineers for analysis by computer-aided design engineers and reduced the time required by more than 90 percent. This allowed time savings which contributed to enhance product quality. Research limitations/implications - The paper is based on a single case, though its findings are consistent with prior studies. Future research will implement like applications in other contexts at the subject firm and other firms. Practical implications - The paper helps managers to understand the uses and potential value of KBE applications, enhancing the awareness of NPD practitioners in a field which is still partially untapped. Originality/value - The paper combines discussion of the technical aspects of implementing a KBE tool with estimates of performance improvement achieved. It can be a useful illustration of a good practice and a proof-of-concept for further implementations in complex engineering settings. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT