4th Generation Product Management

Fehlmann, Th.M., Kranich, E.

The international series of standards ISO/IEC 14143, ISO/IEC 19761 und ISO 16355
define how to model and measure software, and the application of statistical and
related methods to new technology and product development process. Key element
of 4 th generation cyber physical products is the dominant impact of software on
product features. Another characteristic of these products is its high complexity level
as a system of systems.
Today, manufacturers of highly complex systems, such as airplanes or trainsets, face
problems both in designing and in testing their products. Consequently, the many
components have not been tested thoroughly, neither has design taken all the needs
and user requirements into due consideration. The system components do not
interact smoothly and flawlessly. Testing a system comprising millions of software
functionality size units is hardly possible with today’s methods. Good product design
is even harder.
At least for software, we have a clue to solve the problem. Software is measurable
using ISO/IEC 14143 and ISO/IEC 19761. These measurements have been known in
the past and used for estimating cost. But software measurements take equal role
with physical measurements in mechanics for addressing issues of reliability, safety
and delighting users. Based on these measurements, the methods explained in the
series of standards ISO 16355 allow for successful design and extensive testing before
putting into practical use.