VariantManager
Complexity management with iQUAVIS
9 million configurations are possible for small tractors. For a simple plug, there are several hundred configurations, we don’t even want to talk about cars!
“Variance is a driver of complexity,” says our expert Dr. Christian Bremer. Mapping relationship knowledge, managing variants at system level and creating early product configurations – that’s what we answer to the question of what the VariantManager actually does. In contrast to many other tools, iQUAVIS manages product complexity with the VariantManager from the very first request and, above all, long before the bill of materials is defined. This makes the iQUAVIS VariantManager a game changer in the development of product construction kits, product lines, product families … or quite simply: in product development!
Variance drives complexity - iQUAVIS masters it
Variants are a challenge in product development and for project management because they are so difficult to depict. Variance creates new dependencies in the system – direct and indirect dependencies. A single view, as provided by many SysML modelers, is not enough. This is where the VariantManager comes in and supports the work with different forms of visualization: trees, matrices, diagrams.
Example: A customer requirement requires a specific, mechanical component. This, in turn, technically excludes the use of a specific electronic unit, which, however, reduces other possible functions of the product...
… HOWEVER: The choice of a different mechanical component could meet the customer’s requirement and at the same time allow the use of the electronic unit, which then unlocks further functions. In addition, the choice of a specific solution can also induce further requirements. The configuration dependencies jump between different disciplines as well as between the RFLP levels, due to the variance of the components.
Confusing? Everyday life!
Our approach: The iQUAVIS Variant Manager
In iQUAVIS, you can make these dependencies, or the relationship knowledge, visible to all project participants at an early stage with the help of Model-Based Systems Engineering and thus enable simple complexity management. Not only do you know the variants, options and contents of a configuration – you can also understand the cause and origin of the RFLP traceability in iQUAVIS.
Functions of the VariantManager
The VariantManager is an additional feature and extends the iQUAVIS model to include the aspects of variance and configuration logic – both on the requirements and function side, as well as on the solution side. Variants and options can be defined and their dependencies on other parts of the product can be modeled. In this way, the VariantManager supports the systematic development and management of variance.
- Support of various methods of complexity management, e.g. feature-driven, requirements-driven, function-based
- Visualization of complexity and parallel work ("zig-zagging") in different forms of representation (tree, worksheet, matrices)
- Definition of complexity drivers and characteristics as a "standard variant option"
- Modeling of feature dependencies, e.g. mutual exclusion
- Modeling of 150% models
- Graphically supported configuration by means of conditions as Exclude/ Mandatory
- Support 120% and 100% configurations
- Saving and Changing Configurations
- Configuration support: Dynamic visualization of defined variant trees
- Dynamic evaluation of direct and direct dependencies
- Visualization of configurations in different views, e.g. Tree or ibd diagram
- Automatic adjustment of the filter view (e.g. in the tree) based on the selection in the configuration window
- Selection and storage of configurations based on defined conditions
- ad-hoc plausibility check of the configuration
- Differentiate between incomplete and invalid configurations
- Implausible Configuration Resolution Wizard
- Consistency check of the configuration with the defined conditions
- Calculation of the number of possible configurations (note the necessary computing power)
- Creation of possible configurations as data in iQUAVIS
- Export of possible configurations as Excel export, e.g. for use in SAP
- Use of datasets for configurations for further specification in ibd, etc
- Tagging of configurations (all elements) for further analysis of a specific configuration
- Use of configurations as modules in other projects via referencing
VariantManager Webinar
On 21.3.2024 at 11:00 a.m. , we will offer you the opportunity to get to know the VariantManager as part of a live webinar . Our consultant, Matthias Greinert, will introduce you to all the functions and answer your questions. The number of participants is limited. Register for the webinar using the button:
In this webinar, Dr. Christian Bremer introduces the variant manager and explains how to work with options and variants in product development.
Existing “consulting software” on the topic does not create digital consistency or a digitalization advantage.
When it comes to complexity management, many companies still work with Excel or build their own, maintenance-intensive solutions. But let’s be honest: Did you become an engineer to develop smart products in this way?
Or do you want to master the complexity and finally shape it?
This complexity can no longer be represented in Excel. To think about it only when creating the bill of materials – much too late!