Finding Opportunities for Commonality in Complex Systems

DS 58-4: Proceedings of ICED 09, the 17th International Conference on Engineering Design, Vol. 4, Product and Systems Design, Palo Alto, CA, USA, 24.-27.08.2009

Year: 2009
Editor: Norell Bergendahl, M.; Grimheden, M.; Leifer, L.; Skogstad, P.; Lindemann, U.
Author: Long, David Scott; Seering, Warren S.; Rebentisch, Eric
Series: ICED
Section: Product and Systems Design
Page(s): 83-94

Abstract

Many complex systems with similar functionalities are independently developed, entered into service, and must be supported throughout their lifecycles. Costs to support and maintain the systems could be decreased by employing strategies that increase commonality in the systems. We present a process for identifying opportunities and evaluating subsystems for increasing commonality in complex systems. Stakeholders can use our process to improve system management and decrease support costs of systems.

Keywords: commonality, functional decomposition, lean, taxonomy

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