Product architecture is the way that the functional elements of a product are arranged physically and how they interact to bring about the functionality of the product. It defines the building chunks of a product by what they do and how they interface with the rest of the product. It is concerned with how the function of a particular product is arranged into physical parts. Also referred to as product structure, product architecture is basically the arrangement of the functional elements of a product.
A vital part of any product development, product architecture influences how a product will be designed and made, sold and used, repaired, and disposed of.
Types of Product Architecture
There are basically two types of product development architecture;
Integral architectural design – in this type, the product’s functions are performed by a range of parts that aren’t necessarily organized or arranged in assemblies. Integral design is inferior to Modular design in terms of structure and this result in a scenario where an alteration of one part affects several neighboring others. Also, integral design features way less interchangeability of parts compared to modular design. Both these scenarios have cost implications.
Modular architectural design – this spots specific functions and particular operations required to attain the product’s overall purpose. Next, standard assemblies are constructed to perform these specific purposes, with these assemblies eventually connected to give the final product. Nonetheless, these assemblies are considered individual components and they interface normally with each other. Modular architectural design trumps integral architectural design and makes more sense cost wise.
Architectural Influences
Product architecture will affect the product in various stages of development, use, repair and disposal.
Influence during product development
During this stage, it will influence:
How Families, as well as platforms, are structured
Realization of functions
Incorporation and accomplishment of standardization and reuse
Subassembly specifics as well as module boundary locations
Influence during manufacturing system design
Some of the things that product architecture will influence include:
Assembly sequences
Flexibility planning
Utilization of facilities to reconcile capacity and demand
During production and assembly
Under this part, influences will be on:
Production location
Demand, how unpredictable it is and how to meet it.
During use
The influence of product architecture on the product during use includes: