Data-mining-based methodology for the design of product families

Abstract

Companies design and manufacture widely diversified products to satisfy the needs of their customers and markets. Two issues important to achieving this aim are discussed. The first concerns adequate diversity for a particular market. The second concerns the management and manufacture of products within an acceptable lead time and an acceptable cost. The two issues are examined with a methodology for the design of products families. This methodology is based on a data-mining approach and it focuses on the analysis of functional requirements.