An exploratory study of the general requirement representation model for product configuration in mass customization mode

Product customization has been recognized as an effective means to implement mass customization (MC). Aiming at the shortcomings of the current methods in information capturing and describing, the general requirement modeling method for product configuration in MC mode is proposed. The detailed definition of the general requirement concept is put forward from several angles, including the time dimension, space dimension, feature dimension, etc., and the requirement information cell (RIC) method which fits the description of the general requirement information for the MC domain is also presented. Then, the formalized expressive framework of the RIC is given and the general requirement hierarchical model and correlative model of MC based on RIC is discussed. According to the application result, the formalized describing method of general requirement for MC has effectively supported the reuse of domain knowledge in the requirement modeling process for product configuration, as well as improved the standardization and intelligence of requirement information expression. This method's utility, flexibility, and reliability has been verified through its application to the development of practical products.