Technology Infusion Analysis
Typically, a new technology in itself does not produce value, and it must be infused into a parent system to realize its true value within the system. Our research focused on on identification of technology set that can address the customer needs, and how its infusion into a parent system can be analyzed from both design and economic perspectives. We have developed technology infusion analysis framework, shown in the figure.
The framework is divided into three distinctive phases: technology identification phase, technology infusion assessment phase, and economic assessment phase. Each phase is further decomposed into three steps. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of the framework, it was implemented in an actual product case study, where two different technologies were infused into a printing system.
Printing system requires various technologies from many different areas of engineering. In order to identify and align correct set of technologies for a particular printing system, a technology roadmap is required.
Based on technology maturity and other factors, a set of technologies to improve printing system performance is identified. Once key technologies are identified, their impact on system design change need to be assessed. To accomplish this, a Design Structure Matrix (DSM) model of the printing system is constructed. The figure below shows the operating principle of the printing process, the printing system itself, and the DSM model of the printing system.
Using the DSM model, identified design changes are modeled, and the impact of the change is estimated in terms of the number of system elements (components, material/energy/information flows) added/removed/chaged. A set of system elements redesigned and DSM model that reflects the corresponding desing change is shown below.
Since there are several technologies being infused into the printing system, different technology infusion scenarios were generated and design change impact for each scenario was assessed. Subsequently, corresponding non-recurring engineering cost and lifetime revenue-cost generation estimations were made. They are plotted as shown in the figure below.
Based on the overall assessment results, decision makers can select the best technology infusion scenario for the printing system that will maximize the benefit for the firm. This technology infusion framework would be beneficial for system architects who must assess values of technologies they are considering for infusion.
The framework is divided into three distinctive phases: technology identification phase, technology infusion assessment phase, and economic assessment phase. Each phase is further decomposed into three steps. In order to demonstrate the feasibility of the framework, it was implemented in an actual product case study, where two different technologies were infused into a printing system.
Printing system requires various technologies from many different areas of engineering. In order to identify and align correct set of technologies for a particular printing system, a technology roadmap is required.
Based on technology maturity and other factors, a set of technologies to improve printing system performance is identified. Once key technologies are identified, their impact on system design change need to be assessed. To accomplish this, a Design Structure Matrix (DSM) model of the printing system is constructed. The figure below shows the operating principle of the printing process, the printing system itself, and the DSM model of the printing system.
Using the DSM model, identified design changes are modeled, and the impact of the change is estimated in terms of the number of system elements (components, material/energy/information flows) added/removed/chaged. A set of system elements redesigned and DSM model that reflects the corresponding desing change is shown below.
Since there are several technologies being infused into the printing system, different technology infusion scenarios were generated and design change impact for each scenario was assessed. Subsequently, corresponding non-recurring engineering cost and lifetime revenue-cost generation estimations were made. They are plotted as shown in the figure below.
Based on the overall assessment results, decision makers can select the best technology infusion scenario for the printing system that will maximize the benefit for the firm. This technology infusion framework would be beneficial for system architects who must assess values of technologies they are considering for infusion.
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