C-FAR, change favorable representation

In this paper, a methodology called Change Favorable Representation (C-FAR) is presented and explored. This methodology uses existing product data information to capture possible change consequences to a product. C-FAR uses this existing product information model to facilitate change representation, propagation, and qualitative evaluation. The information model schema's main elements are entities, relations among entities, and attributes that describe the entities. C-FAR facilitates change and change evaluation at the attribute level. C-FAR has been evaluated using case studies in structural analysis bumper design, injection molding and printed wiring board thermal analysis. Results show that C-FAR is capable of representing change and provides a reasonable qualitative evaluation of the change consequences.