A SYSTEM PARTITIONING AND OPTIMIZATION APPROACH TO TARGET CASCADING

Abstract

This article presents a rigorous but practical methodology for addressing the target cascading process. Under this concept, product design can be viewed as a four-step process: (i) specify overall product targets; (ii) propagate product targets to system, subsystem and component “sub-targets”; (iii) design system, subsystems and components to achieve their respective subtargets; and (iv) verify that the resulting product meets overall product targets. The goal of the target cascading process is that systems, subsystems and components operate together in the desired way (i.e., they are compatible and consistent). A mathematically rigorous decisionmaking methodology that takes advantage of hierarchical system partitioning and coordination and analytical models can be a valuable tool for both engineers and managers. The main benefits of target cascading are reduction in product design-cycle time, avoidance of design iterations late in the development process, and increased likelihood that physical prototypes will be closer to production quality. Target setting also allows outsourcing the design of a particular subsystem or component after providing the supplier with the corresponding set of targets.