System architecture change decisions in multi-variant product portfolios

Decisions in complex design environments like in system architecture design can have wide-ranging effects on the operations of a company. The contribution of this paper to the body of research is to clarify the nature of decision-making on engineering changes and to explore success factors towards more rational and sustainable decisions. Our results were obtained through a literature review and evaluated in the context of a research project with six industry partners who formed an industry focus group. We propose a research framework that systemizes the objectives, challenges and possible enablers of complex decision situations. A proceeding model is proposed where possible support in decision-making is highlighted. As implications we claim to support complex decisions by making relevant entities and their dependencies more transparent and accessible. Therefore, a consistent database could serve for consistent model generation, visualization, analysis and evaluation. This will have a positive impact on development costs, resource allocation, product quality, flexibility towards the market and delivery time.