System architecture change decisions in multi-variant product portfolios
Year: 2013
Editor: Udo Lindemann, Srinivasan V, Yong Se Kim, Sang Won Lee, John Clarkson, Gaetano Cascini
Author: Kissel, Maximilian; Lindemann, Udo
Series: ICED
Institution: Institute of Product Development, Technische Universität München
Page(s): 011-020
ISBN: 978-1-904670-47-6
ISSN: 2220-4334
Abstract
Decisions in complex design environments like in system architecture design can have wide-ranging effects on the operations of a company. The contribution of this paper to the body of research is to clarify the nature of decision-making on engineering changes and to explore success factors towards more rational and sustainable decisions. Our results were obtained through a literature review and evaluated in the context of a research project with six industry partners who formed an industry focus group. We propose a research framework that systemizes the objectives, challenges and possible enablers of complex decision situations. A proceeding model is proposed where possible support in decision-making is highlighted. As implications we claim to support complex decisions by making relevant entities and their dependencies more transparent and accessible. Therefore, a consistent database could serve for consistent model generation, visualization, analysis and evaluation. This will have a positive impact on development costs, resource allocation, product quality, flexibility towards the market and delivery time.
Keywords: System architecture, engineering changes, decision-making