Incorporating flexibility, agility, robustness, and adaptability within the design of integrated systems - key to success?

Abstract

This paper will evolve the idea of incorporating flexibility, agility, robustness, and adaptability into the total system life cycle, firstly by identifying and analyzing the initial problem, and defining the terms of flexibility, agility, robustness, and adaptability. The question, why in particular these principles are significant ('...Key to success...') for system design will be addressed. Secondly a solution framework called 'Design for Changeability' will be set up describing its major elements, attributes, and interrelations. Finally key concepts and principles to enable and evaluate flexibility, agility, robustness, and adaptability within integrated systems will be proposed. Examples showing the implementation of selected principles will cover automotive and aerospace industry.