Design Structure Matrix

The Design Structure Matrix (DSM ) is a method for the acquisition, modeling, analysis and synthesis ( within certain limits ) the linking of elements in highly crosslinked systems. Typical examples of such systems are complex, highly integrated product architectures, organizational structures or processes. The Design Structure Matrix allows you to put in such systems, the elements of a kind in relation if they are connected by a comparable Relationship among themselves.

A modeling base, a square matrix is ​​used, which maps on the vertical and horizontal axis of the individual elements of the system, and of each single cell can be used to map the relationship between any two elements. In this case, such a DSM as " line has an influence on column" are modeled, or as a " column influenced line"; while first modeling style has established itself more in the European languages ​​, the latter is particularly in North America and Asia application. The following figure shows the European reading direction is used.

A Design Structure Matrix can represent the following types of relationships:

  • Binary DSM: only the existence of a relationship is imaged, typically by a 1 or on X in a cell of the matrix
  • Numerical DSM: A weighting of relationship is possible; usually between 0 and 100% can be used, but other weights are possible

In this case, no reflexive relationships are mapped, ie an element can not refer to itself to; the diagonal of the matrix is ​​therefore always empty

Binary DSM

Numerical DSM

Classically, the DSM is used to set up processes stringently. For this purpose, especially the methods of partitioning, Banding, and triangulation have been established. The aim is to identify independent executable parts of the process (so-called " bands " ) and to convert the model into a so-called upper triangular matrix with as little recesses equate an ideal sequence in the process. In addition, the method of clustering is used to group closely networked groups of process steps as a cluster and thus ensuring a speedy execution and allocate adequate team.

DSM is used in a similar manner for product architectures. Clustering can be used in such cases to identify modular architectures (keyword or modular platform ). Also, it is possible to identify the effects of changes of a component, by all outgoing paths of dependencies in the product architecture are pursued, and so far - reaching effects can be identified early.

Similarly also building organizations and team structures can be captured model. The DSM provides the ability to non- hierarchical structures that are " criss- cross " cross-linked in themselves to operate.

Further modeling

The restriction that only one type of DSM elements, eg can only image components of a product, can be circumvented with the domain mapping matrix ( DMM); this is two so-called domains relative to each other. For such dies, it is possible to carry out analyzes such as the clustering.

Example of a domain mapping matrix:

A total explanatory modeling system that can capture any system in its complexity, is the Multiple-Domain Matrix. This combines different DSMs and DMMs together into a comprehensive model that allows analysis of multiple domains and different kinds of relations of time. For this purpose, aggregate may be determined as a DSM -specific views of a system and used. Your application on different systems allowed it a much more targeted use of complex systems

Example of a Multiple-Domain Matrix:

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