4.3.2 Platform identification using Design Structure Matrices

Abstract

Abstract This paper introduces a methodology and algorithm for the qualitative identification of platform components at multiple levels of system aggregation, among variants within a family of systems. We assume that the architectural concept and the functional requirements for the variants are pre‐determined, and use Sensitivity Design Structure Matrices (SDSM) to represent the sensitivities between the design variables of the variants. We then introduce a novel algorithm for the identification of platform variables given the SDSM for each variant. Finally, the methodology is extended to the qualitative identification of platforms at various levels of system aggregation, i.e., between systems, subsystems and components. The process is demonstrated in an example of platform identification among topsides facilities of Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units.