Use of Dependency Structure Matrices for Product Development Cycle Time Reduction

Cycle time reduction is an important aspect of integrated product and process development (IPPD). This paper outlines some of the challenges that impede efforts to reduce cycle time for complex system development projects. Several facets of these challenges can be summarized using the general concept of design iterations. After reviewing this concept, the paper provides an overview of a process modeling approach utilizing dependency structure matrices (DSMs—also known as design structure matrices). DSMs allow a simple, visual representation of processes and highlight potential iterations. The paper concludes with a discussion of the ways DSM-based methods help manage some of the cycle time reduction challenges.