Exploring alternative product modularisations with multi-objective optimisation

This paper presents a multi-objective optimisation framework for product modularisation. At the heart of the software is a custom developed genetic algorithm that is able to generate a whole range of alternative product modularisations. Once generated, the solution set is then explored to examine the inherent trade-offs needed. In this way the decision maker is able to choose the most suitable modular architecture ac-cording to the company’s strategic objectives. The focus of this paper is to illustrate the developed computerised framework using an example product: a car climate control system.