System Architecture: Strategy and Product Development for Complex Systems, First Edition

8.2 Developing the Level 1 Architecture

Expanding Concept to Functional Architecture

Our first task in expanding from concept to architecture is to identify the value pathway that delivers the primary value. This is done by starting with the key internal functions identified in the integrated concepts (Question 5b) and linking them together from inputs or start points to outputs or end points.

The solution-neutral function of the air transportation service (transporting a traveler) and concept (flying a traveler with an airplane) have been identified. The left two columns of Figure 8.1 show the primary value delivery pathway, created by linking the key internal functions from Chapter 7. This figure identifies the primary operand as the traveler ...