Establishment and Utilization of Technological Knowledge Global Sharing System

This technical report outlines the establishment and utilization of a global sharing system for technological knowledge within OMRON's factory automation business. The system was developed to formalize and share technical know-how that previously resided with individual engineers or within specific regions. It categorizes technological knowledge derived from engineers' activities, including technology developments and operational manuals, to facilitate easier access and utilization. The report details the mechanisms implemented to enhance global sharing, which resulted in a significant increase in technological knowledge access and customer deployment cases. It also discusses the challenges faced in converting tacit knowledge into explicit formats and the measures taken to create a user-friendly information system. The report emphasizes the importance of addressing issues related to intellectual property and export control while ensuring that engineers can share their knowledge without burdensome compliance concerns. Overall, the system aims to improve efficiency and quality in manufacturing processes by leveraging collective technological expertise.