Abstract: An effective way to solve distributed design process management problem in CAD framework is to build a high quality expert system.This paper proposes an approach to achieve automated design process management through knowledge base.In our distributed design flow management system,we adopt E-petri net model to describe the dynamic behavior of design flow and incorporate the model with the knowledge -based approach.The system can effectively manage design process in distributed and heterogeneous design environment.The design flow management system was applied successfully in YHCIF framework.