Patent ID: 7778720
Filing Date: 2010-08-17
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method for product line management, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining a product line architecture (PLA) using a product line architecture module, wherein the PLA comprises architectural elements and interfaces of a product or components of a product involved in a product line and/or process; obtaining a change management workflow (CMW) using a change management workflow module, the CMW including a plurality of change activities and the CMW being capable of interacting with the PLA, and wherein the CMW obtains at least an interaction diagram, a swimlane diagram, a state diagram, or a traceability matrix; obtaining value stream maps for both the PLA and the CMW using a value stream maps module; creating activity lines using an activity lines module for each of the plurality of change activities according to the PLA, the CMW, the value stream maps, or any combination thereof; computing risk indicatives for the PLA and CMW using a risk indicatives module; triggering changes in the PLA and the CMW using a triggering change module according to the plurality of change activities, activity lines, risk indicatives, the value stream maps, or any combination thereof, wherein the product line architecture module, the change management workflow module, the value stream maps module, the activity lines module, the risk indicatives module and the triggering change module reside in memory of the computer; and repeating the steps of obtaining value stream maps onwards while managing a product line.