As customers’ expectations and requirements steadily increase, the utilization of synergies provides a way of achieving cost savings and improving product design. However, a systematical approach to employ synergies that addresses all levels of abstraction is missing. This paper identifies the various interpretations of the term “synergies” and defines it in the context of engineering through a detailed literature review. The paper develops a seven-phase methodological framework to systematically support the identification and utilization of technological synergies. Unlike existing methodologies it extends the scope to all levels of abstraction. The paper describes the framework and the main challenges in each of the seven phases. Two industrial applications underline the applicability and advantages of the framework.      «

As customers’ expectations and requirements steadily increase, the utilization of synergies provides a way of achieving cost savings and improving product design. However, a systematical approach to employ synergies that addresses all levels of abstraction is missing. This paper identifies the various interpretations of the term “synergies” and defines it in the context of engineering through a detailed literature review. The paper develops a seven-phase methodological framework to systematicall...     »