Identifying Cross-Domain Linkage Types to Support Engineering Change Management and Requirements Engineering

Abstract

Suitable product models are essential to support development of complex products like today’s vehicles. Using these models, different views upon the product are represented, product evolution over different lifecycle phases can be documented and communication on and exchange of product information is performed. However, to derive an adequate representation of a complex product is challenging, since on the one hand elements of the product designed by different engineering domains (mechanics, electric/electronics, software) need to be considered. On the other hand, linkages between domain specific models and their elements have to be captured, for instance, to handle changes and derive or test requirements across domain borders. As a basis for adequate models in product design, this paper describes the concept of system views in particular focusing on linkages between elements within the technical perspective. Therefore, linkage types (e.g. spatial relation, material transfer) between product elements are analyzed by a literature review and their relevance for engineering domains involved in the product design process is discussed. In order to trigger and guide cross-domain engineering activities in particular regarding engineering change management and requirements engineering in the vehicle design process, a set of domain-specific and cross-domain linkage types is derived and applied using the vehicle as example. Finally, criteria and a procedure to indicate the cross-domain nature of a linkage type and therefore the need for cross-domain interaction in the design process of complex products are presented.