The application of the entropy measure to the analysis of part commonality in a product line

Given the objective of determining the degree of part commonality in a product line, this study discusses several methods of analysis which are possible. The use of the entropy measure, H= − σpi log pi, is investigated as a plausible alternative to current procedure. The methodology will incorporate a simulation of several types of distributions of part usage which might occur in a typical application. An analysis of the results will compare the entropy approach with existing practice.