Data mining in manufacturing: The nature and implication

Recent advances in computers and manufacturing techniques have made it easy to collect and store all kinds of data in manufacturing enterprises. Traditional data analysis methods are no longer the best alternative to be used. The problem is how to enable engineers and managers to understand large amount of data. Data mining approaches have created new intelligent tools for automated extracting, useful information and knowledge. All these changes will have a profound impact on current practices in manufacturing. In this paper the nature and trends of these changes and their implications on product design and manufacturing are discusses.