Integrating MBD with BOM for consistent data transformation during lifecycle synergetic decision-making of complex products

Model-based definition (MBD) can be applied to normalized define and associate the whole lifecycle data of complex products by a three-dimensional (3D) digital model, which can further provide single data source for bill of material (BOM) transforming of different lifecycle stages. Therefore, a promising application combining MBD and BOM is to ensure the accuracy and completeness of information during various BOM transformation, and to provide consistent and reliable data support for lifecycle synergetic decision-making. However, the studies in the above field are facing many challenges. For example, the research and application of MBD in the whole lifecycle is still in its infancy. MBD and BOM are studied separately, and the overall solution that integrates these two pillars for lifecycle synergetic decision-making is almost vacant. A novel approach for consistent lifecycle data transformation is proposed to address these challenges. First, an overall conceptual framework is developed to show how the approach can be implemented. Second, a unified lifecycle data representation method with the MBD main-domain dataset is proposed. Third, based on the single data source from MBD dataset, xBOM multi-view transforming are realised by designing a set of mapping models and rules. Finally, an applicable scenario for an electric multiple units (EMU) bogie is presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The result shows that the proposed approach can provide significant potential for industrial practitioners to carry out synergetic and optimal decision-making in the whole lifecycle management processes.