Design structure matrix: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 19:36, 11 June 2007

Revision as of 19:37, 11 June 2007

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The design structure matrix (DSM) is a system modeling tool. It has two main strengths. First, it can represent a large number of system elements and their relationships in a compact way that highlights important patterns in the data (such as feedback loops and modules). Second, it is amenable to matrix-based analysis techniques, which can be used to improve the structure of the system.

A DSM is a square matrix (see figure). The cells along the diagonal represent the system elements, which are often labeled in the rows to the left of the matrix and/or in the columns above the matrix. The off-diagonal cells are used to indicate relationships between the elements.

Two conventions for entering the off-diagonal marks have been used. In one, reading across a row reveals what other elements the element in that row provides outputs to, and scanning a column reveals what other elements the element in that column receives inputs from. Thus, in the figure, element B provides something to elements A, C, D, F, H, and I, and it depends on something from elements C, D, F, and H. In the other (opposite) convention, which is just the transpose of the matrix, inputs are shown in the rows and outputs in the columns. The two conventions convey equivalent information.

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The use of DSMs in both research and industrial practice increased greatly in the 1990s. DSMs have been applied in the building construction, semiconductor, automotive, photographic, aerospace, telecom, small-scale manufacturing, factory equipment, and electronics industries, to name a few, as well as in many government agencies.

For additional information, see www.dsmweb.org.