THE CHART OF MODULAR FUNCTION DEPLOYMENT
Year: 1998
Editor: Marcel Tichem, Delft University of Technology, Mogens Myrup Andreasen, Technical University of Denmark, Alex Duffy, University of Strathclyde
Author: Nilsson, Per; Erixon, Gwmar
Page(s): 147 - 154
Abstract
The deployment and use of a design method is dependent on the availability of the method. Easy available tools, largely increases its usefulness. Simplicity and clearness together with an easy understanding of the inputs required and the resulting outputs for the different steps of the method itself is also vital. The Modular Function Deployment (MFD) method and procedure has been implemented in a graphical chart in order to increase the clearness of the method. This chart comprises the main phases of the MFD-method and allows the user to manage the entirety of the modularization work. The chart and the method make it easy to detect and correct omissions made in the moduIarization process. The transparency of the chart visualises the connections inside the MFD-method, from customer demands via module drivers to the designed modules, helping the user to test different solutions to a design task. Thus, the context of the complete work will be clear from the chart. This chart will support platform management, as well Platform here means: "the total set of modules from which all required product variants can be derived".
Keywords: Product structuring, DFX, modularity, modules, design methodology, design theory, flexibility, design for variety