16. Design and Redesign of System Architecture

The chapter 'Design and Redesign of System Architecture' builds upon the foundational concepts of product architecture introduced earlier. It begins by defining product architecture as the relationships between functional elements and physical components, and then classifies architectures into integral and modular types. Integral architectures feature interdependent components, while modular architectures have functionally independent components. The chapter discusses the implications of these architectures on product performance, change, variety, and organizational strategy. It also introduces techniques like Modular Function Deployment and Value Analysis to guide design decisions and maximize value. Additionally, it explores the strategic advantages of platform-based systems and the importance of standardization in reducing complexity and costs. The chapter concludes by highlighting the need for a balanced approach that considers both technical and strategic aspects of system architecture design.