Product Knowledge Management  which is popularly referred PKM, is a innovative concept of facilitating enhanced communication with the parties associated in developing, using, maintaining and propagating the products of the company. this distinctive approach enables the personnel to utilize the existing CAD data and apply latest simulation and visualization tools to create a audio – visual environment to learn about the assembly, disassembly, maintenance, support and services of the products.

Being virtual in nature, it can be accessed by the people sitting in diverse geographical locations and in different time zones. One form of product Knowledge management is Computer based training manuals. Computer-Based Training (CBT) is self-paced instruction on-line. It guides trainees through the procedure of operating machine/system  and making them proficient in performing the procedure. This is especially very useful for complex product structures where traditional video shooting or photography is not practical.
This unique approach of communication is fast catching up pace in the diverse industrial sectors with marketing teams using this heavily to communicate the product concept and operations to their potential buyers; HR using it to train the people working on the shop floor about the appropriate ways and means to handle the product; and also the support and services people to train their staff with the recommended maintenance and services tips.
It is appropriate for one to many users at a time, but is more commonly used for training large group of people in a short amount of time. This a very Novel concept and very well received in US and European Market.

The Emergence  : Today’s Market  Scenario

• In a global market place, product manufacturers are facing a challenge of disseminating their product know-how to their customers, partners and employees spread across the world.
• With fast changing products and shortening  of product life cycles this challenge  has became much more difficult and critical to achieve.
• The way that many organizations work today is that they spent a lot of time and money to improve their products through 3D CAD tools and systems. Once their product is complete, they move into a product documentation process before they can release their product to market. They are typically using illustration programs like Corel or Acrobat or any number of tools to create some type of image or digital photograph.

Challenge of traditional Documentation/ Training system.

1. Being an instructor led training system; The trainees are dependent upon the availability of instructor.
2. Repetition of training sessions was difficult in case of absence of instructors.
3. Trainees could not learn on their own pace.
4. Investment in the Infrastructure

PKM Advantages:

Training people on the right procedures of installation and maintenance of any equipment are critical areas and A standard power point technique to train the people has its own set of limitations. The picture and script based communication might not bring in the necessary level of clarity which is required to efficiently operate the equipment.

The conventional training conducted in the closed or on-line training rooms may get quite monotonous and fail to engage the attention of the personnel for the longer durations. The costs of these trainings in terms of hiring the trainer and time utilized are also significantly high.

PKM’s Computer Based training manuals would be an ideal solution to these issues. Three dimensional perspective of machine/system helps trainees to visualize while they are learning to operate it. Use of animation flash and   An audio-visual technique avoids miscommunication and breaks the monotony of the training lectures and referring large volumes of training guides. It captures the attention of the trainees for a longer period of time, they can refer to it as and when needed, it facilitates visualization of the entire product operation thereby clearing ambiguity and does not require the company to hire a special trainer.

Especially with the companies, which has a impressive global presence, can make the most of this innovative training concept which enables in effective education of the people sitting in different countries.

PKM would be highly effective in the following areas:

• Technical Documentation
• Operation & maintenance of equipment Overhauling & repairs/replacement of sub-assemblies
• Interactive spares catalogue
• Basic maintenance knowledge and safe operating techniques
• Maintenance and trouble-shooting
• Product demonstrations