Modularity
Modularity (also block or modular ) is to divide a whole into sections, which are referred to as modules, components, elements or modules. With proper form and function, they can be joined together or interact with interfaces.
In a modularized structure of complete systems are assembled from standardized individual components along defined points ( for programs interfaces). The contrary construction is called monolithic (Greek Monólithos, " Einstein "). This may relate to real objects, as well as intangible, such as relating an education.
As an application paradigms for modularity can be, inter alia, distinguish modularity in design (eg in engineering, software architecture or business organization ), modularity in production or in construction ( Mass Customization, eg in the automotive, computer manufacturing, and architecture ) and modularity in use ( "plug and Play " ).
Principles of Operation
Individual components can be differently combined to form a whole if they are executed like toy building blocks - that describes the linguistic image, the opposite would be a puzzle comparable, in which each component has exactly only one possible place, and the system only as a whole block ( monolithic) works.
A big advantage is that you can easily replace old modules with new modules or add new modules to the whole. For modules need clear interfaces - standardized as possible in order to keep compatibility problems ( the " mating " ) low.
Changes within modules should not affect other modules. This principle is called local continuity in change. To be able to make changes as easily as possible, the number of interfaces should be as small as possible. If errors occur in modules on this error but no other modules are not affected draw ( " local protection in exception errors "). These principles include, for example, the modularity of software projects, but are also applicable to other areas. This also makes it possible to decouple the statistical life of modules with one another and, for example, to introduce specific innovations and interference with existing systems.
Modules convert the black-box model. Information is accessible only via explicit interfaces.
Advantages and Benefits
Due to the modularity of complex systems, which of course for the people can be increased. For the manufacturer, or the company, for the service as well as for the consumer or customer may be a modular principle bring benefits, particularly when different companies compete as a provider of largely standardized individual components or business processes with each other in the market. Potential benefits are:
- Lower development or business process costs: modularization reduces coordination and communication costs and enables outsourcing and benchmarking.
- Flexibility in product and organizational development: faster product cycles and higher adaptability when various compatible modules are available, the attached, can be removed, replaced or grouped differently, to adapt the system to new conditions. A monolithic system, however, can accomplish such adjustments only in the form of a structural transformation when the parameterization of its functions does not allow a suitable setting.
- Flexibility of range: greater Produktvarietät
- Cheaper production by identical series and simpler assembly processes
- Maintenance: economical repair by replacing the faulty component
Limitations and risks of modularization
Processing speed and adaptability: modularization there has its limits, where a system of very specific requirements must be meet, particularly with respect to processing speed (performance) or problem-specific adaptability. Tend to cause high costs
- For a change or extension of the interfaces between the modules when can the replacement of a module obtain no further improvement alone;
- For an adjustment of the overall system (if at all possible ) to customer-specific or problem-specific requirements.
In information technology, for example, there are companies that have specialized, customer- customized software solutions ( customized software) to develop. Such components are by their customers (despite possibly higher costs) as a complement or alternative to standard software, if this does not meet the requirements.
Innovation -inflammatory effect: As Fleming and Sorenson, who - over 200 years - were evaluating the data of the U.S. Patent Office notice, the trend towards high-grade modularity can call into question the innovative capacity of a system. While on the one hand, such a design can make the product development possible to predict, on the other hand, a point can be reached where modularization undermines the chances of a breakthrough in product development.
Imitierbarkeit: Just the predictability which is typical of a modular approach can lead to a competing company is developing similar products.
Cooperation skills and strategic control: Among the organizational units that are responsible for each individual modules in the product development processes in the company or individual, may lead to a reduced exchange of ( tacit ) knowledge and a reduced ability to cooperate. This allows the view of the performance of the whole system can be adjusted.
Application Examples
- Standard Parts ( standardized technical components as functional items ) and standardized components ( subassemblies ) in engineering and other fields of technology, on the about modular BOMs are performed (according to DIN 6789 ). Major applications include, among others: space stations
- Platform in vehicle strategy
- In computers, where replaceable components communicate via standardized interfaces (eg, plug-in cards or memory modules ). The IBM PC and its successors owe their success and just this effect.
- Modular machine, in particular large-scale technical installations such as power plants and transportation facilities
- Electrical & Electronic Components: Board assembly
- The 19-inch rack system electronics
- LEGO, fishing technique or Rasti
- In series prefabricated components
- Building modular room elements (for example, container building)
- Complexes of buildings, especially skyscrapers, from modular building parts ( wings ), such as the Crystal Palace (London, 1851)
- Furniture systems such as USM Haller
- Software modules for recurring tasks
- Kernel modules, operating system components that are activated only when needed, as opposed to kernel