Introducing structured information handling in automotive EE development

One way for the automotive industry to cope with the demand of a more structured information handling is to adjust model-based development (MBD) to multidisciplinary needs. Many of the issues faced in this transition are as much organizational and managerial as they are technical. In a case study carried out at a global automotive manufacturer a project to improve the electrical and electronics (EE) development has been followed and analyzed. The project originated from different needs identified by management in their ongoing work effort towards MBD as well as by developers who experienced that tools did not support their work situation. This paper describes how the introduction of a new tool support was made in a project carried out within EE development, further it reports on benefits achieved by using the tool. Both the effect on the work of affected EE developers and the expansion of a new information model are discussed, leaving important implications for management. Success keys for putting new support tools into practice are identified here and include; a bottom-up approach, user involvement from the beginning, focus on the individual needs and adaptation to current work practice. Further, management support and adequate resources are essential for extracting long-term benefits.QC 2010073