Concept Map and Internet-aided Manufacturing

Manufacturing is a knowledge-intensive activity and the Internet has become a useful tool for storing, sharing, and reusing knowledge. This study describes some issues of Internet-aided manufacturing knowledge representation from the context of concept maps (a visual means for representing knowledge). Manufacturing knowledge is categorized into three categories, namely, general, exploratory, and emergent knowledge. General and exploratory knowledge are existing knowledge, whereas emergent knowledge is new knowledge created for performing manufacturing activities (designing, monitoring, optimizing, etc.). All these three categories of knowledge have cross-referential relationships. Some of the logical processes for creating emergent knowledge are also described. Using a tool called CmapTools (developed by IHMC), Internet-embedded concept maps are constructed. Further study will be carried out for enhancing the machine comprehensibility of the concept maps of manufacturing knowledge.