Title: A process modelling and simulation approach for business decision support in pre-conceptual product design

Authors: Magnus Lofstrand, Ove Isaksson

Addresses: Division of Computer Aided Design, Lulea University of Technology, Room E21K 97187 University Campus, Lulea, Sweden. ' Division of Computer Aided Design, Lulea University of Technology, Room E21K 97187 University Campus, Lulea, Sweden

Abstract: This paper discusses creation of a support tool (SIMULINK model) for collaborative work process modelling and optimisation based on Simulation Driven Design (SDD). The purpose is to improve the studied company|s ability to develop hardware-based services in an early concept stage, and to predict performance of a given service scenario before development. The approach is useful as a decision-support tool in evaluating and prioritising business offers and activities in the business offer process. The modelling and simulation approach minimises the cost of each concept and allows simulation of a number of different concepts before the actual work is carried out.

Keywords: process modelling; simulation; functional product development; design support; cost; delivery time; SDD; simulation driven design; pre-conceptual product design; optimisation; collaboration; service prediction; performance prediction; service performance; decision support systems; DSS; business offers; business activities.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPD.2010.034994

International Journal of Product Development, 2010 Vol.12 No.2, pp.158 - 175

Published online: 31 Aug 2010 *

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