How closed-loop PLM improves Knowledge Management over the complete product lifecycle and enables the factory of the future

The basic concepts of Knowledge Management and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) are described. Closed-loop PLM is introduced, highlighting the benefits of optimised knowledge flow and use in Beginning-of-Life, Middle-of-Life and End-of-Life. The PLM/Enterprise Resource Planning interface is often a barrier to the closed-loop knowledge flow needed for the factory of the future. Approaches to overcome this are described.