A Model-based Method for Assisting Decision Making Process in Product Development

Decision-making process during product design and development has a considerable effect on the enhancement of competitiveness, since it allows cost reduction, quality improvement, and shortening of the time to market. In this paper, a framework of decision support system is investigated and developed throughout the product development process based on the application of a Model-based System Engineering (MBSE) methodology. In the process it will be clearly shown how SysML (System Modelling Language) is used to assist the decision-making process in evaluating candidate design alternatives. The analysis will be carried out in each stage of product development taking in to account the Measure of Effectiveness (MOE's) as a means of setting priorities among alternative product design solutions. At the end of the analysis competent design alternatives will be evaluated through trade-off analysis and ready for decision makers to select the best design solution. The result of the research is thus will provide decision makers with recommendations, predictions of the results of alternative solutions, and other appropriate information to allow selection of the best course of action.