Propagating decisions to detect and explain conflicts in a multi-step configuration process

Abstract

In configuration processes with multiple stakeholders, conflicts are very likely because each decision maker has a different concerns and expectations about the product. They may not be aware of features selected by others or the restrictions that these selections impose. To help solve the conflicts, this paper introduces a new approach to provide explanations about their causes. Our approach is based on representing features from different concerns using different Feature Models (FMs), and relating them through Feature-Solution Graphs. An FSG contains dependency relationships between two FMs: one feature from the left side forces or prohibits the selection of features in the right side feature model. The strategy to detect and explain conflicts is based on propagation of constraints over the FSGs. We claim that our approach is more expressive and efficient than when using a single FM that contains all concerns and SAT solvers to detect conflicts.