Design Process Sequencing in Product Development Process Using Design Structure Matrix and Particle Swarm Optimisation Techniques

Abstract

Product development (PD) is a complex business process of transforming new ideas into marketable new products, processes or services. PD process is characterized by information flow and iteration. Traditional project management techniques are limited in representing interdependent activities. Design Structure Matrix (DSM) is a powerful tool for identifying and managing information exchange and iterations. In this work the process is modeled with DSM and the design activities are optimally sequenced using a Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) technique. The methodology is exemplified with a case example.