Thorsten Krebs' work addresses the challenges faced by product manufacturers in managing a diverse range of products that evolve over time. To meet market demands, configurable products are utilized, allowing for the assembly of similar yet distinct products—known as a product family—from a set of predefined components. However, merely configuring products is insufficient in a dynamic product landscape. As the domain evolves, configuration models risk obsolescence and require timely adjustments. This dissertation introduces a comprehensive knowledge management framework designed to support the evolution of configurable products. It features a well-structured representation of all pertinent knowledge, encompassing the components used in product assembly, the products themselves, and a method for maintaining consistency in knowledge management amidst ongoing changes. By focusing on the evolution of products, the framework aims to ensure that manufacturers can effectively adapt their offerings in response to shifting market conditions. This scholarly work contributes to the field of computer science and emphasizes the importance of robust knowledge management in the context of configurable products.
