Analyzing Design Change Impacts in Modular Products With Analytic Network Process

Since parts and systems are closely linked to each other in complex engineering products, a change in a single part or system causes changes in other parts or system, which in turn propagates further. This study aims to propose a novel approach to analysis of design change impacts in modular products with consideration of change propagation. The proposed approach measures the relative change impact (RCI) of each part or module on the whole product using analytic network process (ANP). A case study on the automobile system is presented to illustrate the proposed approach. The practical use of RCI is also discussed.Copyright © 2007 by ASME