Complexity in planning design processes
Claudia Eckert2001
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Abstract
Connectivities between processes in product developments indicate both conflicts of resources and potential synergies. These represent constraints and potential opportunities in planning design Each product development comprises a network of processes. Similarity between processes is analysed by a layered classification ranging from common components to shared design knowledge. The connectivities between products arising from similarities among products are represented by a multidimensional network. Design planning is described by flows or 'traffic' on this network which represents a structural model of complexity. Comparison is made with information based measures of the complexity of designs and processes.
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Connectivities between processes in product developments indicate both conflicts of resources and potential synergies. These represent constraints and potential opportunities in planning design Each product development comprises a network of processes. Similarity between processes is analysed by a layered classification ranging from common components to shared design knowledge. The connectivities between products arising from similarities among products are represented by a multidimensional network. Design planning is described by flows or 'traffic' on this network which represents a structural model of complexity. Comparison is made with information based measures of the complexity of designs and processes.
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International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2012
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Related papers
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CIRP Annals - Manufacturing Technology, 2012
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The complexity of design and designing is not something that we can influence on, but the way we model, classify, illustrate and structure our views upon design and designing, strongly influence our perceived complexity. Our research focus is on product development (PD) context as the entire body of data, information and engineering knowledge related to design itself, that evolves throughout the product development effort The nature of (PD) context complexity is explained by two dimensions: PD context elements description, and PD context evolution. Standardization of the PD ontology is proposed as a formal method for organizing the PD context, in order to improve the robustness and computability of PD context representation and decrease its complexity.
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The reality of design process planning
2003
Most companies struggle with the efficiency of their processes. One contributory factor is the lack of efficient process planning. This paper describes current planning practise in industry, which uses a multitude of different plans in parallel. The units of planning and their resulting plans roughly fall into product plans considering cost, bill of material and procurement considerations; process plans including different milestone, task and activity plans and quality plans. This paper maps out the ownership of these plans, and establishes that organisations work because individuals use more then one plan and have a tacit understanding of the relationships between these plans. The lack of effective plans affects the company through a lack of understanding of process connectivity and in consequence bad communication.
Investigation of Design Tools as Complexity Management Techniques
Volume 1: 36th Design Automation Conference, Parts A and B, 2010
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Representing the Complexity of Engineering Systems: A Multidisciplinary Perceptual Approach
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Complexity Planning For Product Design Using TRIZ
Adopting complexity concept in product design provides ability to manage existing resources and to meet the rapid development of market demand from existing and future markets. Currently, the best approach in managing product complexity is through optimization and trade-off. Both methods are considered as a constraint to product development and innovation that evolves alongside with new market trend. Complexity Planning is proposed, with the integration of strategic tools of TRIZ (Theory of Inventive Problem Solving). Through a case study, the guideline helps the designer to develop a design concept that considers commonality and trend of system evolution as a preventive initiative to enhance better complexity management within the product life cycle.
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