4th Generation Product Management

Based on AHP and QFD

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 4th 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.