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Systems Architecting and Program Management with the Design Structure Matrix (DSM)
Author(s) -
Browning Tyson
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
incose international symposium
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2334-5837
DOI - 10.1002/j.2334-5837.2013.tb03120.x
Subject(s) - design structure matrix , process (computing) , schedule , computer science , rework , process management , architecture , key (lock) , systems engineering , software engineering , knowledge management , engineering , computer security , art , visual arts , embedded system , operating system
The design structure matrix (DSM) is a powerful tool for visualizing, analyzing, innovating, and improving system architectures, including those of products, processes, and organizations. The DSM helps to confront and manage system complexities and their implications. Akin to a traditional N2 chart and the System‐System matrix in the DoD Architecture Framework (DoDAF), the DSM is a square matrix showing relationships between system elements. These elements can be components, teams, activities, or others. By analyzing the DSM, one can prescribe a better (e.g., more modular) system architecture. Adding a time‐basis enables one to prescribe a faster, lower‐risk process. Because the DSM highlights process feedbacks, it helps identify iterations and rework loops—key drivers of cost and schedule risk. The DSM is concise and visually appealing and is used in many organizations across diverse industries. Users have found the tool extremely useful for fostering architectural innovation and enabling the situation awareness and empowerment that motivates people executing complex processes. This tutorial introduces the DSM and three distinctive applications useful to product developers, system architects and engineers, and project and program managers. Real‐life examples are presented from the aerospace, automotive, semiconductor, and other industries. Participants will engage in hands‐on exercises (building DSM models) and come away with a clearer understanding of the drivers of critical, emergent behaviors in systems and how to identify these using a DSM. Participants will receive a copy of the presentation materials and access to free tools that can be applied immediately to systems for quick results and insights.