Domain Mapping Matrix Research Articles

Methodology for the selection of learning measures for the competence development of assembly workers

ABSTRACT Mass personalization and shorter product life cycles complicate the assembly of manufacturing companies. To handle the complexity, a high number of employees execute varying assembly tasks. Their work is characterized by learning new tasks frequently to produce different variants. To achieve good learning results in a short amount of time, a suitable individual assembly workers’ competence development process is crucial. Therefore, this publication shows the development of a user methodology to plan the competence development process focusing on selecting learning measures that fit both the work situation and learning employees. The presented user methodology is based on a standardized description and selection procedure for learning measures by using results of a Domain Mapping Matrix, Delphi study, and expert interviews. The publication contributes to improved competence development to support the strategic empowerment of the workforce and to increase the flexibility in manual assembly.

Generation and evaluation of product concepts by integrating extended axiomatic design, quality function deployment and design structure matrix

Existing product concept generation and evaluation methods are mainly based on designers' experience to determine design schemes in the process of product development, which is time-consuming and ineffective. This paper proposes an approach to generate and evaluate design concepts by integrating the extended axiomatic design, quality function deployment and design structure matrix. Different design domains are mapped for matrix operations to generate feasible concepts based on design criteria. A domain mapping matrix is built to determine technical measures, functional requirements and design parameters based on customer requirements. The proposed approach provides a structured method to quantify, validate and qualify design concepts. A case study of the design of a hand rehabilitation device demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Domain Adaptation Mixture of Gaussian Processes for Online Soft Sensor Modeling of Multimode Processes When Sensor Degradation Occurs

Sensor degradation seriously hinders the practical application of soft sensors. To reduce the negative effect of sensor degradation, in this article, we propose a robust domain adaptation mixture of Gaussian processes (DA-MGP) for online soft sensor modeling of multimode processes. Based on the decomposition of industrial data into a group of Gaussian domains, Gaussian domain discrepancy (GDD) is designed for domain adaptation and process mode recognition. After recognizing the process mode based on GDD, a Gaussian domain adaptation is presented to correct the drifted online input data by domain mapping, which can significantly improve the robustness of the soft sensor against sensor degradation. Furthermore, the domain mapping matrix is utilized as a transferred basis function for a local transferred Gaussian process component, which is used for robust soft sensor modeling. Additionally, an online block processing framework is adopted when the DA-MGP-based soft sensor is applied in online quality prediction. Finally, the TE benchmark process and a real industrial polypropylene process are employed to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. In the designed five cases of sensor degradation, the DA-MGP-based soft sensor shows its strong robustness against sensor degradation.

Modeling and Estimating Host Country Values in International Projects to Facilitate In-Country Value Creation

International companies are more and more seeking to act proactively by proposing In-Country Value (ICV) strategies to create sustainable local values in the host countries in which they carry out projects. Still, such sustainable local values are complex to identify because they are often indirectly related to their own value chains, project activities, and outcomes. There are, therefore, both theoretical and industrial needs to model and estimate sustainable values brought by complex projects in host countries, considering direct and indirect effects. In this paper, a systems thinking-based approach combined with a frequency analysis first permitted to build up a model of the sustainable values created by the project in a host country. Then, after underlining the complexity of such a model, a Domain Mapping Matrix (DMM) approach was proposed to help build a process to estimate project impacts in terms of ICV creation. An application to a case study built up with an industrial practitioner (an oil and gas company) permitted to test and validate the overall model and approach. It notably showed how such a model permitted to facilitate discussions among stakeholders and laid the foundations of ICV creation-oriented decision-making processes.

Design for Agile Manufacturing: Product Design Principles that Enhance Agile Manufacturing of Powertrain Systems

While companies in the entire automotive industry deal with increasing volatility and uncertainty, new trends and innovations pressure especially powertrain margins. The concept of agile manufacturing enables companies to remain competitive in such an environment. As some authors declare that the success of agile manufacturing is largely determined by the design of products, this paper investigates how these two phases in the powertrain lifecycle can be linked. A literature review was conducted to identify DFX guidelines that reflect the agile manufacturing characteristics: flexibility, profitability, speed, proactivity and quality. More than 200 design principles were collected and clustered into seven design objectives according to their main purposes. A first questionnaire was conducted at an engineering company having its main business field in powertrain development in order to define the importance of these principles to enhance agile powertrain manufacturing. The results are presented in a design catalogue. Through an additional literature review the required capabilities of manufacturing systems to fulfill the five agile characteristics were identified. The rating of these capabilities was subject of a second questionnaire at several manufacturing companies in the automotive industry. The employment of a domain mapping matrix supports the selection and application of appropriate product design principles aiming to enhance specific agile manufacturing capabilities. Finally, the developed procedure model was evaluated.

Using Systems Architecture Views to Assess Integration Readiness Levels

Systems integration is a central element of the complex systems development effort. The integration readiness levels (IRL) scale complements technology readiness levels (TRL) to assess the system development maturity, representing risk levels for integrating technologies in a system. The increasing complexity of systems, due to multiple interfaces and an information-centric architecture, demands new systemic approaches to analyze the architecture and communicate IRL assessments. Therefore, this article developed a methodology to apply IRL using architecture views through the design structure matrix and domain mapping matrix. A case study analyzed technology introduction impacts and different integration strategies for space systems from China–Brazil Earth Resources Satellite program at the system and system-of-systems levels. Through the design science method, results show the pragmatic evaluation and validation for the proposed method and for the IRL scale itself, by professionals of the case study projects. The research draws suggestions for holistic system analysis and managerial communication applications using the proposed method and suggests a rationale for IRL assessment of legacy systems.

Design for Lifecycle-Flexibility: Design Objectives that Enhance Coping with Uncertainties Throughout Product Lifecycles

Modern product lifecycles are characterized by a high degree of uncertainty. In order to cope with critical lifecycle-uncertainties, specific flexibility requirements comprising product functions and company capabilities are necessary. However, only an appropriate product design that enhances fulfilling these requirements enables coping with uncertainties and resulting changes throughout product lifecycles effectively, efficiently and proactively. Therefore, this paper investigates how product design and flexibility requirements can be systematically linked. Having identified 27 relevant DFX guidelines, a literature review resulted in the collection of around 1700 related design principles from 93 sources. Summarized to 650 final principles, they were further clustered into 24 design objectives according to their main purposes. Statements about the importance of each design principle to enhance coping with lifecycle-uncertainties are based on the quantity of related DFX guidelines. In order to realize an appropriate lifecycle-flexibility, a possible approach to define relevant product functions and company capabilities following the double diamond design process is introduced. In the final step, the employment of a domain mapping matrix supports the selection of appropriate design objectives aiming to enhance fulfilling the defined flexibility requirements.

Octree-based voxel model for representation of spatial conflicts detected using domain mapping matrix across multiple design domains

This paper discusses use of domain mapping matrix (DMM) to detect spatial conflicts across multiple design domains and use of octree-based voxel model for representation of these spatial conflicts. A framework has been developed to create octree-based voxel model linked with intended empty spaces in product, which are associated with design requirements, product lifecycle states and with connected design domains. Knowledge in system modelling language (SysML), is used to select criteria for building octree voxel model. Two case studies of coupled cavity travelling wave tube (CCTWT) slow wave structure (SWS) design and high power RF window design, have been taken to showcase the code capabilities. Octree voxels inside CAD platform, show and represent spatial conflicts, detected by associativity modelling of empty space blocks inside CAD along with the product knowledge in SysML model.

Octree-based voxel model for representation of spatial conflicts detected using domain mapping matrix across multiple design domains

This paper discusses use of domain mapping matrix (DMM) to detect spatial conflicts across multiple design domains and use of octree-based voxel model for representation of these spatial conflicts. A framework has been developed to create octree-based voxel model linked with intended empty spaces in product, which are associated with design requirements, product lifecycle states and with connected design domains. Knowledge in system modelling language (SysML), is used to select criteria for building octree voxel model. Two case studies of coupled cavity travelling wave tube (CCTWT) slow wave structure (SWS) design and high power RF window design, have been taken to showcase the code capabilities. Octree voxels inside CAD platform, show and represent spatial conflicts, detected by associativity modelling of empty space blocks inside CAD along with the product knowledge in SysML model.

Implications of Service-related Business Models on Product Development Processes

Product-service systems (PSS) in machinery and plant engineering offer various convincing value propositions such as increased productivity and customization for industrial customers combined with environmental benefits for the overall system. Sustainability is promoted by a reduction of emissions and material use through services like recycling, refurbishment and retrofitting as well as a shared ownership or use model. In order to implement PSS, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) are required to focus on several key activities with Life Cycle Engineering as one of the most important aspects. Based on the results of an in-depth literature analysis, it is possible to generically describe new service-related business models for companies in the field of machinery and plant engineering that result from offering PSS. This paper investigates dependencies and effects of these business models on the product development process by analyzing constitutive features of the business model and determining their consequences for the product development process. A domain mapping matrix is used as a method to detect influences of different business model aspects on the product development process. Research findings highlight the importance of a close integration of product and service development processes. The development of services has to be systemized. Companies need to develop a networking architecture to link their PSS components and analyze usage data. User integration into the development process is necessary in order to ensure a comprehensive fulfillment of customers’ needs. The share of IT professionals has to be raised as well as interdisciplinary work and service mentality. Networks and partnerships with various stakeholders are possible approaches to face challenges resulting from an increased system complexity.

Identifying and Quantifying Critical Information Streams for Tactical Combat Decision Modeling

It is often asserted that more information on the battlefield leads to greater situational awareness (SA) which, in turn, translates to enhanced mission performance and outcomes. However, the volume of available information on the modern networked battlefield is extensive and growing, which induces risk of indecision due to cognitive overload. The potential overload highlights the need to streamline the flow of information to those critical streams that provide the most value to a tactical leader’s decision process at particular points in time. The purpose of this study is to identify critical information streams required by tactical leaders within the various phases of a dismounted search and attack/react to contact scenario. Domain Mapping Matrix methodology (DMM) is utilized to quantify the value of various information streams relative to the sub -phases within the scenario using a constructed nominal scale. The significance of the highlighted interactions is validated through the use of statistical analysis, with combat veterans serving as test cases. The findings of this study will facilitate the development of decision models that will eventually enable more accurate and realistic simulation of the leader’s decision processes that increased SA purportedly enhances.

Process Modeling in the Operating Room: A Socio‐Technical Systems Perspective

ABSTRACTGiven the importance of communication in healthcare, a need exists for modeling approaches that facilitate analysis of complex interactions among providers. While attempts have been made to translate best practices from engineering, manufacturing, and other fields, their value has been limited because they are applied with minimal modification for contextual differences in healthcare. This paper develops a methodology for modeling processes and analyzing communication in a particular healthcare setting, the hospital operating room (OR). The analysis is based on the construction of a large multidomain matrix (MDM), a representation of interactions across “domains” in a socio‐technical system. In the OR, these domains are people (the surgical team) and process (the steps that they take in a surgical procedure). Based on these domains, the MDM consists of four quadrants: a process architecture design structure matrix (DSM) representing task dependencies, an organization architecture DSM representing interactions among staff, a domain mapping matrix (DMM) of activities performed by team members, and a DMM of activities that “trigger” team members to complete their own tasks. Integrated analysis of these matrices leads to a process map of surgical procedures and construction of a congruence matrix specifying the relationship between expected and actual interactions in the OR. Analysis of process metrics demonstrate that merely engaging the surgical staff in building the MDM can itself lead to performance improvement. The paper lays the foundation for future studies focused on understanding the relationship of team communication to patient outcomes in a single OR and across healthcare systems.

Life Cycle Cost Estimation of Robot Systems in an Early Production Planning Phase

Cost estimation is necessary for comparing manufacturing systems. Because of simultaneous engineering this approximation should take place in an early planning stage with uncertain information. However traditional calculation methods do not concern the possibility to use robot systems in different scenarios along their life cycle.Due to a high diversity of these systems, the costs can vary in a large range within an application. This paper introduces a cost estimation method for robot systems in an early planning phase also regarding future scenarios. Therefore the presented methods for product cost estimation are linked with a developed DMM (Domain Mapping Matrix).

Applying the Domain-Mapping-Matrix to Identify the Appropriate Level of Detail of Simulation Models for Virtual Commissioning

Virtual commissioning (VC) as a method can be applied in many industries. The target of VC is to test control code as early as possible and enable thereby a smoother and faster execution of real commissioning. A crucial point in conducting simulation particularly within VC is that used simulation models must be sufficiently meaningful regarding the appropriate use case. An appropriate level of detail of used simulation models is therefore essential. A systematic classification of which parts of an automated plant should be simulated at what respective level of detail is, however, not available at present time. The following article follows the hypothesis that interactions between (production) processes and resources, emerged during the engineering process, allow for the identification of influence factors that play a key role in identifying the appropriate level of detail of simulation models. The Domain-Mapping-Matrix (DMM) and a rule-based approach can be used to analyse these interactions.

Identification of Clusters and Interfaces for Supporting the Implementation of Change Requests

Due to the presence of dependence linkages, changing one element of a product (e.g., functions and components) can trigger changes to other related elements and lead to numerous possible propagation paths (i.e., the “snowball effect”). To address this issue, this paper proposes the matrix-based clustering method. Two matrix models are considered in this research: design structure matrix for the linkages of components and domain mapping matrix for the linkages of functions and parameters. After denoting some product elements as “target” representing the initial changes, the clustering method is used to form and classify the clusters according to the change impacts from target elements. The interfaces between the clusters are also identified to manage the propagation process. The purpose of this method is to provide the cluster and interface information for implementing change requests. In view of the methodical advancement, the clustering method can tailor a clustered matrix for specific change requests and handle two types of matrices. Two examples have been used to demonstrate and support the utility and flexibility of the proposed method to manage matrix-based change propagation.

A method for jointly drawing up the functional and design architectures of complex systems during the preliminary system-definition phase

In systems engineering, determining a system's architecture is a crucial part of the preliminary system-definition phase because this architecture greatly impacts the quality of the system, the way the subsequent phases of the design process are organised and the overall performance of this process. Consequently, systems architects need methods for defining the couplings of modules (or sub-systems) and for estimating the impact of allocation decisions on candidate system architectures. This paper presents a method that helps simultaneously define the functional and design architectures of complex systems. Starting from an allocation matrix, or domain mapping matrix, which represents the couplings between the elements of two domains (functions vs. components), the method generates a sesign structure matrix (DSM) for each domain. A clustering algorithm is then applied to each DSM in order to generate a rearranged architecture. This method can be used in the synthesis process to provide architectural output that then forms the input data for the systems analysis process, where these data will help systems architects assess candidate architectures. We illustrate the method via an industrial case study focusing on a new automobile engine development project.

Multiple-domain design scorecards: a method for architecture generation and evaluation through interface characterisation

High-tech mechatronic system design, such as that required for tools for oil-well drilling and exploitation, requires that engineers from multiple domains concur on architectural solutions due to a large number of interdependent system performance criteria and design parameters that are shared across architecture interfaces. Supporting designers in envisioning probable challenges in architectures early in design is of utmost importance to ensure project quality while minimising costs and delays. In this paper, we present the multiple-domain design scorecard method to facilitate architecture generation and assessment through architecture interface characterisation as well as to support design process management. We propose to semantically enrich the design structure matrix, domain mapping matrix and quality function deployment representations to capture project data and expertise related to concept generation. In addition, we propose six types of design assessment cards that both support design space exploration and highlight design challenges of potential system architecture. The proposed approach is being implemented and tested in an industry context. A case study in the oil industry brings to the fore some of the advantages and challenges in the implementation process.

2308 製品開発のマネジメントのためのプロジェクト情報のモデリング(OS1-1 製品開発プロセスのための方法論I,OS1 製品設計開発プロセスのための方法論)

Today's project management of mechatronics development is difficult to manage, because mechatronics product is becoming highly complicated. This paper proposes an integrated model of the project information based on representation of mechatronics product and product development process. Based on this project model, this paper also addresses a management method of the project. The project model is represented as a process of design tasks and resources. The product model is represented as a design parameter, product function, and product structure. The dependencies between/inside the product and process are modeled as a MDM (Multiple Domain Matrix) matrix and DMM (Domain Mapping Matrix). The system finds and suggests the gap between designer's recognition and derived dependency. This suggestion can help the designer to elaborate and improve the project model. A proto-type system is implemented and applied to the design example of an electric solar boat. The result shows the elaboration process of the project information.

Aligning external varieties to internal varieties for market solutions

Product customisation is an essential requirement for manufacturing firms to achieve higher customers' satisfaction and fulfil business target. To achieve these objectives, firms need to handle both external and internal varieties successfully. Both the varieties are needed to be integrated for the purpose of developing customised product. Integration among these varieties for a case company is displayed and discussed with the help of Domain Mapping Matrix (DMM) tool. Various customisation strategies such as modular design, commonality among modules and platform-based product development are elaborated and discussed critically. This paper is concluded with several managerial implications and future research direction.

Restructuring design processes for better information exchange

Today's competitive business environments are changing dramatically owing to growing customer demands and higher technological innovation. The success or failure of any enterprise depends fully on how quick it can respond to customer demands and adapt to newer technology. The adoption of matrix-based tools such as design structure matrix, domain mapping matrix, multi-domain matrix could enhance the information exchange among product development (PD) activities that are required for rapid deliver to market. In this paper, one example is presented in order to demonstrate the applicability of different matrix tools to control information dependencies among PD processes.