A Variant Management Based Methodology for the Requirements-Engineering Process of Mechanical Parts

The value of software or functionality that is realized using software within modern cars is about 35 % of the value of the car itself. We typically have more than 70 ECU in a car with functionality realized and controlled by software. Although most of the current research is focused on software engineering issues, the problems addressed in the software area also occur in the development of mechanical components. Globalization is not limited to software, it also impacts the development departments of OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) with components requested and produced all over the world. Additionally, variability of hardware components used to customize cars is drastically increasing and can be compared to the variability growth in software. Therefore, the efficient and effective handling of requirements for mechanical parts is one of the key factors for a sustainable success within automobile industry. To be able to cope with the expected complexity, Volkswagen decided to introduce a new product line based requirements management methodology. The paper describes the developed methodology and experience made when introducing such a methodology.