Modularisation of system architecture to improve system recoverability: a unique application of design structure matrix.

This study addresses the problem of design of systems for recoverability and discusses that a modularisation of the system architecture can effectively facilitate the recovering operations for a damaged system. To modularise the system architecture, Design Structure Matrix (DSM) methodology along with Axiomatic Design (AD) theory are employed. The study discusses that preventing propagation of the failure(s) to the rest of the system architecture can significantly contribute to the recovery of the system and proposes a methodology and utilises the Mean Time to Recovery (MTTR) as a good indicator reflecting the stochastic behaviour of system recoverability. The present study mathematically shows that modularisation of the system architecture can considerably augment the probability of success in recovering and fulfilling the physical components following experiencing a failure in the system, significantly reduce the length of recovery time and improve the system recoverability. To verify the presented method, architecture of information flow in a real contract is addressed. Results from the application of the method indicated that modularisation of the architecture of the information flow in the contract significantly reduces the volume of time and effort required for adjusting content of the clauses and improves the system recoverability considerably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]