Systematic product platform design: a combined function-means and parametric modeling approach

Abstract This paper describes a systematic product platform design procedure and a computer-based product platform concept model that capture both functional behavior and embodiment of design solutions as well as the operative component structure in a configurable system product. It is argued that such design procedures and product descriptions are necessary from a business perspective in order to successfully manage development of derivative products and product variants based on a product platform concept. The concepts presented in this paper are currently being deployed by Saab Automobile as the next logical evolution of product description systems necessary in order to maintain competitiveness in the automotive business. Keywords: System structureConfigurationProduct modelProduct platformProduct descriptionParametric modeling Acknowledgements This work was supported by Saab Automobile AB as well as by the Chalmers University of Technology and the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research through the ENDREA research program. This support is gratefully acknowledged.