A systems engineering approach to product modularity

Product modularity has been successfully adopted in a number of specific in dustries, such as computer technology and software development, where it pr ovides a number of advantages over monolithic product architectures. This p aper presents initial findings from research at a range of companies within the United Kingdom where modularity is being applied or considered to addr ess increasing product complexity and the growing need for the symbiosis of mechanical, electrical, electronic, optical and software technologies in a wider range of manufactured products to meet discerning market requirement s. The research identifies a need to address the current application of mod ularity within industry at three levels: a systems engineering based framew ork, a methodology for product modularization and the underlying process of modular product development. Concluding remarks highlight the issues drawn from the research and opportunities for addressing these issues.