A model of knowledge processes in a manufacturing company

The core purpose is to offer a framework that integrates key insights from the literature on knowledge creation, learning and problem solving in conjunction with mapping of customer needs into a closed loop model of knowledge processes in a manufacturing environment.

Based on review of literature on knowledge creation and synthesis of a conceptual model that connects the life‐cycle of knowledge and know‐how with core product and business processes of a manufacturing company. Specification of requirements and design of a managerial dashboard are illustrated with a case of a medium‐sized manufacturing company.

The paper presents properties of knowledge and know‐how creation processes in manufacturing environment and proposes the integrated model of those processes. Furthermore, the paper recommends a four‐stage approach that can be utilized to create a firm‐specific knowledge management system. The model is applied for design of a managerial dashboard system for manufacturing company.

Although the model conceptualized is generic, it will benefit from additional applications in different manufacturing settings. Further research has been planned.

For practising managers, the model facilitates productive thinking to integrate knowledge and know‐how generation that is a consequence of business problem solving and knowledge accumulation and dissemination infrastructure. A new integrated model of those processes is proposed and used for the design of the managerial dashboard.