A matrix-based approach for a qualitative assessment of system architecture specific processes regarding efficiency

DSM 2012 Proceedings of the 14th International DSM Conference, Kyoto, Japan

Year: 2012
Editor: Onishi, M.; Maurer, M.; Kirner, K.; Lindemann, U.
Author: Bauer, W.; Elser, H.; Lindemann, U.
Series: DSM
Institution: Technische Universit
Section: System Architectures
Page(s): 155-166
ISBN: 978-3-446-43354-0

Abstract

This paper contributes to a qualitative assessment of system architecture regarding efficiency. The focused dimension of efficiency is the processes executed by system architecture. The approach
proposes the application of matrix-based methods such as Domain-Mapping-Matrixes (DMM) to achieve a qualitative assessment of process efficiency. Using a DMM of the systems’ processes and
their contributing products, characteristics for a qualitative assessing the system’s efficiency are deduced. These characteristics are utilized to compare different system architectures towards their
process efficiency. By multiplying the DMM, a Design Structure Matrix (DSM) of products is calculated. Structural analyses are performed using this DSM to gain further insights towards process
efficiency by analysing the interaction of the products contributing to processes. An industrial case study (offshore drilling systems) is used to present the application of the approach. Based on the results and insights of this case study, potentials, areas of improvement, and further steps are discussed.

Keywords: DMM, process efficiency, system architecture, comparison, assessment