Towards a Decentralised Approach to Modelling Connectivity in Complex Products

Abstract

Connectivity models are useful aids to support design reviews but building the models is an extremely effort intensive process. Connectivity models help to minimise incidents of unexpected rework by drawing attention to vital component interfaces and dependencies. The uptake of connectivity models can be enhanced if effort burden associated model building is significantly reduced. This paper describes an investigation into the use of a distributed approach to building connectivity models as a means of effort reduction. The Design Structure Matrix is broken down into sub-sections which are L-shaped or cross-shaped. These sub-sections are referred to as modules of the connectivity model. The effort required for building a model is compartmentalised within the modules. In other words, the minimisation of model building effort is attained by distributing the modules such that each individual’s effort contribution is limited to within a single module.