Mastering mechatronic product development processes

Developing mechatronical products requires the coordination and adaptation of mechanical, electronical and software development processes. Systematic approaches and tools from these three domains need to be extended and integrated. In the joint research project MIKADO we develop solutions that address the different challenges arising from the before mentioned tasks. In this article we present a systematic approach for designing and evaluating mechatronical development processes using predefined reference processes and lists of questions. Furthermore a software tool for modeling and simulating mechatronical development processes will be introduced to the reader that allows for identifying room for further process improvement. © Carl Hanser Verlag.