Product Breakdown Structure Research Articles

System Requirements Development Under a Dual‐Prime Contracting Model

AbstractDeveloping requirements for a highly coupled complicated system is a challenging prospect for any project. The task gets more complicated if multiple organisations are needed to deliver the required solution. This paper relates the practical experience of ‘dual prime contracting’ where two organisations take the lead for the delivery of a system in response to the requirements of a common customer. The first part of the paper describes real motivations and contractual elements that underpin a dual prime contracting model. The technical body of the paper describes how a single requirement set is allocated and flowed to two prime contractors and introduces the common product breakdown structure. The allocation and flow down of non‐functional transversal requirements is given special treatment. The paper closes with useful insights for dual‐prime contractors, emphasising the value of early planning and preparation of joint collaboration strategies.

Development of a Hybrid Product Breakdown Structure and Variability Model

ABSTRACTIn transforming from a project‐based engineering approach to a product line engineering (PLE) approach, the engineering teams must have support throughout the transition from evolving tools and methodologies. As an example, the Product Breakdown Structure (PBS) is traditionally a construction‐based decomposition of a complex system, where subsystems reflect a breakdown of the engineering elements with appropriate technical interfaces, subassemblies, and team responsibility delineations. However, when used for a product line with myriad variants, a traditional PBS format provides insufficient detail and structure. As such, using standard desktop software, the author developed a hybrid PBS‐Variability Model (VM), combining the familiar PBS structure with variability modeling aspects based on feature modeling and decision modeling approaches. This resulted in an engineering artifact recognizable as a PBS and easy to adapt to design evolution, yet sufficiently expansive to initially characterize variability. In this way, the traditional PBS evolves to the hybrid PBS‐VM before transitioning to a complete variability model, thereby supporting the engineering teams transitioning from a project‐based engineering approach to a PLE approach. In this paper, the author describes the traditional PBS limitations, the hybrid model development process with a custom‐developed syntax description, the resulting hybrid model, and conclusions on appropriate product line usage.

The knowledge management on the design of a generation IV sodium fast reactor project at CEA. The case and methodology applied on the Astrid project

From 2010 to 2019, the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Commission (CEA) associated with industrial partners realized the Basic Design of a prototype Sodium Fast Reactor. This project was called ASTRID (ASTRID for Advanced Sodium Technological Reactor for Industrial Demonstration). ASTRID design studies were financed through governmental funds until the end of the basic design. These funds covered also the design studies for the core manufacturing workshop, the refurbishment or construction of large test loops. One year before the term of this Basic Design phase (in 2018), industrial partners, CEA and the French State conducted a review of fast neutrons reactors and fuel cycle strategy. The review which is now translated into the Multiannual Energy Program concluded that the perspective of industrial deployment of Fast Reactors is more distant. Yet it has been concluded to keep this option open, requiring to maintain competences, and to progress on technological barriers and further develop know-how. The strategy for complete closure of nuclear fuel cycle is maintained as a long-term sustainability objective (in the second half of the 21st century). Therefore, as a direct consequence of this decision, the ASTRID project stopped at the end of 2019 at its Basic Design phase. Quickly the question raised on the Knowledge Management (KM) and Know-How capitalization of the huge amount of studies and results realized during ten years (around 23 000 technical documents). Moreover the challenge was to realize this KM process in less than one year, before the ASTRID project team definitive split. The paper is presenting an innovative KM methodology which has been created and specifically performed on the ASTRID project. It is based on a series of interviews and video recordings, all transformed into some New KM tools called “MOOK” (MOOK for Management of Organized Online Knowledge). All these MOOKs considered as “data rich contents” are then inter-connected and linked by the ASTRID Product Breakdown Structure to some fundamental documents, for a comprehensive and quick mapping of the project. They finally form an efficient KM tool recorded in a PLM Software (PLM for Product Lifecycle Management). Thus the ASTRID project team has realized a high level and easy-to-use “GPS” (Global Positioning System) tool to keep the ASTRID history, context, knowledge and know-how for years. This KM methodology can be easily adapted to other nuclear projects and needs.

Developing work breakdown structure matrix for managing offsite construction projects

ABSTRACTOffsite construction techniques continue to receive considerable attention in academic/research discourse. Whilst discourse in seminal literature critique the positive and negative aspects of offsite; on balance, the benefits outweigh the barriers, especially when fully integrated and managed. From a project management perspective, the techniques applied to construction projects typically commence in determining the project’s work breakdown structure (WBS). Whilst the WBS is applicable to offsite deliverables, reflecting site-based construction activities and concomitant dependencies with the manufacturing processes, there are slight discrepancies in processes, and equally, some areas of repetition and duplication. This mismatch has a fundamental impact on integration, creating pockets of confusion, where less seamless (sub-optimal) synergy between offsite and onsite works is lost. This is an acknowledged challenge. There is, therefore, a real need to retain the product breakdown structure, whilst ensuring a seamless interface with the onsite works is maintained. This is a challenge. Whilst the WBS-matrix has been implemented in the project management domain to bridge the ‘products’ and ‘activities’, this arrangement has not yet been developed for offsite building construction projects. This paper reports an on-going research project set up to implement WBS-matrix for offsite construction projects. Two cases of recently completed offsite construction building projects were studied to analyse current practices – to inform the way forward to further develop the WBS-matrix. Findings from this research provide clear guidance for practitioners involved in offsite construction projects; particularly on the development of the WBS-matrix for manufacturing deliverables/activities in order to more effectively manage offsite construction projects.

Lessons learned in 20 years of application of Systems Concurrent Engineering to space products

This paper aims to present the lessons learned in 20 years of application of the SCE (Systems Concurrent Engineering) approach that evolved over the last 20 years being applied to the development of more than 200 complex system solutions. SCE is an approach to the integrated development of complex systems that applies the systems engineering process, simultaneously, to the product elements of a system solution as well as for the service elements of the system solution, recursively, at every layer of the system solution breakdown structure. The approach was born as the application of the requirements, functional and physical analysis processes to the simultaneous development of a product, its life cycle processes and their performing organizations, at every layer of the product breakdown structure. The continuous application of the approach up to 2010, showed the need to include a stakeholder analysis step, to acknowledge that the solution was comprised of product and organization elements (processes were, in fact, the functions of products and organizations), that a mission layer should be added at the top of the product breakdown structure and that the notion of circumstances should be added to the traditional notion of scenarios. With the increasing use of the approach for system of systems conception and development such as those involving multi-spacecraft solutions, the mission layer needed to be extended to include other life cycle processes (besides the operations processes) concept of service and system service architecture. This requires the development of a system solution breakdown structure that will guide the development of the overall solution. For multi-spacecraft solutions, for example, it is necessary to conceive and architect testing, launching and decommissioning services as early as operations. Also, going into more detail in the approach, modes can be derived from circumstances, interface states and internal states of the system and not only from circumstances, as initially established in the approach. These lessons to be presented were learned during the development of: 1) the Brazilian Strategic Program for Space Systems (PESE) and; 2) the TIM Project (Telematics International Mission), a satellite formation with contributions from many regions in the world.

PWBS Best Practice Analysis of Two Shipyards

The product work breakdown structure (PWBS) of a shipyard defines both the interim product breakdown and the work breakdown. Shipyards that have a well defined PWBS can effectively reduce man-hours by applying techniques of group technology and hull block construction method (HBCM). In this paper, a case study of typical double-bottom blocks of both a car carrier and a self-unloading bulker vessel designed in different shipyards, are analyzed. Since each shipyard applies a different interim product breakdown structure (PBS), a best practice tabular comparision demonstrates which PBS is better. The conclusion is that different shipyards under the same corporation should objectively apply best practice methods which recognize and apply what is best from one yard to the other yard and vice-versa. This will raise the competitiveness level of both shipyards.

Steel‐making Plant Engineering Guide Development Based on Systems Engineering Standards: Feasibility Study and Concept Design

AbstractEngineering industry is considered as a key industry which will drive the future of Korea. However, Korean engineering companies have recently made a huge loss and the lack of engineering capability is pointed out as a main cause of this situation. Unlike Korean engineering companies, world leading engineering companies have their own systems Engineering Standards/Guides ensuring successful fulfillments of the feasibility study, concept design and basic design processes.An Engineering standard for an organization is an essential means to shorten the time for engineering design, to maintain the engineering quality and to secure the engineering efficiency in the development of the complex system. One of the main reasons of Korean Engineering companies' lack of engineering capability is the absence of the Engineering standard.In the paper, we have developed a steel‐making plant Engineering standard based on a systems engineering standard. We used both ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288 and NASA SE Handbook as main reference standards. First, we have introduced a lifecycle definition and a product breakdown structure of a general steel‐making plant. Then we have introduced detailed engineering processes of feasibility study and concept design phase. Finally we have introduced exit criteria for outputs of feasibility study and concept design phase to assess the degree of achievement.

Stepwise Application of BIM-based Parametric Modeling to Tapered Slip-Form System

Slip-form technology, an automatic formwork system, has many benefits in construction industries and can shorten the construction time and reduce costs. However, slip-form systems have been designed using 2D drawing methods, which hinders the utilization of project information and impedes essential communication between project participants. The application of Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology, especially the parametric modeling method, can be an efficient solution.This study presents the beneficial effects of applying BIM technology to the design of a slip-form system. First, classification of a tapered slip-form was defined, based on Product Breakdown Structure (PBS) in a top-down approach. Then, working from the defined classification, 3D parametric models of a slip-form were constructed using the script language, SmartPart of Allplan (BIM tool). Finally, the established parametric model was tested by carrying out two different-height cases of tapered concrete pylons, automatically. This parametric design system could also be utilized to improve an efficiency of a formwork process.

Gap study on technical standards and quality assurance between ITER and Korean regulation

Currently, Korea Domestic Agency (KODA) for the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project or the ITER Korea has been conducting follow-up surveys and development researches for the core technologies of its non-procurement items. This eventually aims to secure implicit as well as explicit knowledge and expand domestic specialists for future fusion facilities including K-DEMO. As a part of the project, the comparative analysis and gap study of technical standards and Quality Assurance (QA) system between ITER and Korean nuclear facilities are being performed. The goal of this study is to present a roadmap re-systematizing current safety-related standards for the fission-based facilities into fusion-based facilities in Republic of Korea.The research is considering two different tracks. First one is to secure the state-of-the-art of the fusion technical standards continually updated. For its investigation, we organized the Korean fusion safety advisory group that consists of experts from institutes, industries, and universities. The latest information of technical standards have been gathered and updated from each area of expert in periodic manner. The information is classified into Product Breakdown Structure (PBS) including safety classification, major safety issues, analysis computer codes, etc. This task will be re-organized this year such that the technical standards for procurement as well as non-procurement items can be accumulated in systematic and sustainable manner. Second one, called “Gap Study,” is to compare the requirements for domestic nuclear facilities and the results from the first track on the basis of experts’ opinion from the national and private sectors and to recommend the approaches to overcome technical and administrative barriers. The result is, therefore, expected to contribute to K-DEMO project from the licensing and regulatory aspect.

BIM 기반 3차원 모델 라이브러리를 통한 모듈러 교각의 정보모델링

Modular technology has become a major issue of the construction industries to enhance their productivity. Modular bridge construction generally requires the collaboration between the contractor, designer, fabricator and constructor. Therefore, a readily accessible information model based on BIM technology should be provided for their communication during a construction project life-cycle. In this study, BIM based 3D information modeling was carried out for the modular bridge pier. First, the product breakdown structure (PBS) and level of detail (LOD) of the pier were defined. Based on them, 3D models were created by using parametric modeling method. In addition, database was constructed for the exchange of geometry and property data of 3D models. Finally, application areas of 3D information model were suggested, including the quantity estimation and the 4D simulation.

“PBS : a major enabler for Systems Engineering”

AbstractIn 2012, Thales Systèmes Aéroportés initiated a study on the Product Breakdown Structure (PBS) as a central enabler for Systems Engineering. Obvious similarities between tree‐like representations used throughout the entire lifecycle of a Solution suggest in a simplistic and reductive way that breakdown structures are only an unnecessary redundancy due to complementary businesses designating the same reality in different ways. However, a more precise study of international standards and a more careful examination of stepped uses of these tree frames show how different their purposes are and how they support different features of the system being designed. Nevertheless a confusion exists between these tools. Thus our paper asks a question of principle: “does this confusion come from imprecise and unclear standards on this subject, from incorrect interpretations of these by system architects or from vague approximations in the use of technical tools that structure and size R&D projects?”.

Regression testing in the TOTEM DCS

The Detector Control System of the TOTEM experiment at the LHC is built with the industrial product WinCC OA (PVSS). The TOTEM system is generated automatically through scripts using as input the detector Product Breakdown Structure (PBS) structure and its pinout connectivity, archiving and alarm metainformation, and some other heuristics based on the naming conventions. When those initial parameters and automation code are modified to include new features, the resulting PVSS system can also introduce side-effects.On a daily basis, a custom developed regression testing tool takes the most recent code from a Subversion (SVN) repository and builds a new control system from scratch. This system is exported in plain text format using the PVSS export tool, and compared with a system previously validated by a human. A report is sent to the developers with any differences highlighted, in readiness for validation and acceptance as a new stable version.This regression approach is not dependent on any development framework or methodology. This process has been satisfactory during several months, proving to be a very valuable tool before deploying new versions in the production systems.

Bridge information models for construction of a concrete box-girder bridge

Large construction projects involve collaboration among a large number of participants with different specialised knowledge from various construction processes. A readily accessible bridge information model is needed to enable engineers to innovate prefabricated bridge construction. Three-dimensional (3D) information models can include multi-layered information for different users such as designer, contractor and owner. A construction project life-cycle management system was suggested to integrate and to accumulate valuable information. In this paper, 3D bridge information models for an international concrete bridge construction project were built to integrate design and construction processes. The 3D bridge models were realised by considering work breakdown structure and product breakdown structure to enable digital mock-up and design enhancement and to shorten the learning time of construction engineers. The models were also utilised for the fabrication of precast box segments and for the geometry control during construction. Assessment from the construction director was discussed and additional usage of the bridge information models was suggested.

A cost estimating framework for electronic, electrical and electromechanical (EEE) components obsolescence within the use-oriented product–service systems contracts

This paper provides a cost estimating framework for electrical, electronic and electromechanical (EEE) components obsolescence, which represents the main source of obsolescence issues, owing to the increasingly short life cycle of these types of component. The framework comprises several areas: component complexity levels, obsolescence management levels, obsolescence resolution profiles and obsolescence cost metrics. Several studies, based on the literature and on interaction with numerous obsolescence management experts from industry, have been employed in this research, following a systematic approach. The framework is able to estimate the non-recurring cost of obsolescence during the contracted period within the in-service phase. This is based on the information available at the bidding stage concerning the product breakdown structure (PBS) and the obsolescence management strategy deployed. This framework has been validated at four different UK organizations in the defence and aerospace sectors using seven case studies, one of which is presented in this paper in detail.

8.2.2 Improvements to DSM Clustering Approach for PBS Construction

AbstractA top‐own scenario based approach is a typical method generating the product breakdown structure (PBS) in systems engineering. While it takes time and effort to perform the scenario based PBS construction, it is the safest approach not to omit any functions. On the other hand, a design structure matrix (DSM) approach to PBS construction is a bottom‐up approach based on modularization concept that provides a merit of quick PBS construction while the sanity of its results may not be assured.Accordingly, this study presents trade‐off results between the two approaches to uncover problems in the DSM‐based clustering method and proposes improvement approaches to enable the interfaces with external systems, static elements, as well as a new capability to handle the large number of clustering elements.

Smart or super smart?

Projects often have multiple drivers, but any good manager should have an eye toward at least three imperatives: Complete the task; Build the individual; Build the team. COMPLETE THE TASK: This is at the centre of our SMART task definition. Many words have been expended on how to create a product breakdown structure that completes the task and I do not intend to add any more here. BUILD THE INDIVIDUAL: This necessary aspect of people management can often mean that we may ‘over task’ an individual, giving them work beyond their current skill set and outside of their comfort zone. We may accept sub-optimal performance in the ‘complete the task zone’ so that next time around we will have workers who are more highly skilled. BUILD THE TEAM: We have all been to team building events – some are great successes, some feel like an unwarranted distraction from the project life cycle. But the skilled manager will also be conscious of the smaller activities that can be built into the every day life of a project that go to build the team. This is expressed in the diagram on the page opposite. There are some tasks that sit solely in one circle but fewer than you might think. Building the team is one way of ensuring that we complete the task. Building the individual is one way we have of motivating that individual to help us complete the task. But I bet we have all worked for managers who focus so much on ‘complete the task’ that this obsession actually gets in the way of its own success.

Multi-site coordination using a multi-agent system

A new approach of coordination of decisions in a multi-site system is proposed. It is based this approach on a multi-agent concept and on the principle of distributed network of enterprises. For this purpose, each enterprise is defined as autonomous and performs simultaneously at the local and global levels. The basic component of our approach is a so-called virtual enterprise node (VEN), where the enterprise network is represented as a set of tiers (like in a product breakdown structure). Within the network, each partner constitutes a VEN, which is in contact with several customers and suppliers. Exchanges between the VENs ensure the autonomy of decision, and guarantee the consistency of information and material flows. Only two complementary VEN agents are necessary: one for external interactions, the negotiator agent (NA) and one for the planning of internal decisions, the planner agent (PA). If supply problems occur in the network, two other agents are defined: the tier negotiator agent (TNA) working at the tier level only and the supply chain mediator agent (SCMA) working at the level of the enterprise network. These two agents are only active when the perturbation occurs. Otherwise, the VENs process the flow of information alone. With this new approach, managing enterprise network becomes much more transparent and looks like managing a simple enterprise in the network. The use of a multi-agent system (MAS) allows physical distribution of the decisional system, and procures a heterarchical organization structure with a decentralized control that guaranties the autonomy of each entity and the flexibility of the network.

A systems engineering framework for integrated automotive development

AbstractAutomotive development faces tightening regulatory requirements, shortening development cycle times, and growing complexity. To cope with such an environment, it is moving from a traditional evolutionary to a systems engineering approach. Great effort is being made for a shift from the traditional component focus, which has been enhanced by concurrent engineering, to a more broadened view supported by systems thinking. This broader view, however, is in practice strongly focused on the product elements of the system. This paper proposes a systems engineering framework for integrated automotive development—the total view approach. It is a modeling framework that integrates the product, its life cycle processes and their associated organizations throughout the requirements, functional and physical analysis processes, at all levels of the product breakdown structure, deriving attributes as emergent properties of a whole integrated system. The paper justifies the framework through a review of traditional and current automotive development and two case studies. A major benefit of the application of the framework is the ability to investigate early in the product development process the interactions between requirements and attributes not only of the product, but also of its life cycle processes and their associated organisations. This can lead to better product quality, lower life cycle cost, shorter development time, and manageable complexity. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 7: 153–166, 2004

A systems and concurrent engineering framework for the integrated development of space products

This paper proposes a framework for the integrated development of space products. The framework is called ‘total view framework’ because it provides the total set of product, process and organisation elements and their interactions from the outset in the development process. It uses systems engineering (SE) and concurrent engineering (CE) in an integrated manner, as part of the same framework. The framework extends the application of the SE process to life cycle processes and their performing organisations and applies CE at all levels of the hierarchical product breakdown structure. The ‘total view framework’ is supported by a method, called ‘concurrent structured analysis method’, that consists of the three analysis processes: requirements, functional and physical. These processes mirror the bulk of the SE process and are applied concurrently to product, process and organisations. The outputs of the method are requirements, functional attributes, physical attributes and the interactions among them. These outputs are then analysed using a clustering algorithm and a complexity metric based on cohesion and coupling shows the clustering effects.

Development of an integrated information resource base for 4D/VR construction processes simulation

The objective of this paper is to report on the development of an integrated database to act as an information resource base for 4D/VR construction process simulation. A comprehensive database was designed, implemented and populated with the School of Health Construction Project (a £8 million, three-story development at the University of Teesside campus). The database is composed of a core database of building components which is in turn, integrated with a CAD package (AUTOCAD 2000), a Project Management Package (MS Project) and Graphical User Interfaces. The core database was designed using Standard Classification Methods (Uniclass). One of the benefits of using the Uniclass method, a part from providing standards for structuring building information, is that it provides a media for integrating Product Breakdown Structure (PBS) with Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). This is an important aspect for delivering a meaningful 4D model. Integrated interfaces between MS Access Database, AutoCAD Drawings and MS Project Schedules were developed and implemented. Furthermore, the British Standards of layering convention (BS 1192-5) was adapted and implemented and justification for this is given in the part 2 of this document. The database was populated with detailed 2D drawings (whole building and M&E), schedules of work and resources of the School of Health Project. This paper is also addressing object definition, structuring the data, and establishing the relationships and dependencies within the data set, the WBS and building objects as well as modelling the building in 3D in order to capture the essential space- and time-critical attributes of tasks. Practical application of database throughout the construction process has been highlighted and discussed.