PRODUCT LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM USING PARTIAL SOLVE

摘要

A method includes the steps - receiving (205) an input expression including a set of options joined using logical operators - converting (210) the input expression into an order string; - receiving (215) at least one rule that defines relationships between variants of different option families and receiving a configuration expression that specifies values for some but not all variants of the option families; - producing (225) a conjunctive normal form (CNF) order expression corresponding to the order string, at least one rule, and configuration expression; - performing (230) a partial solve of the order expression, the partial solve producing a result set that describes all possible configurations that correspond to the configuration expression. The disclosed method provides enhanced functionality in PLM and other systems by allowing engineers or other users to rapidly determine all occurrences of parts, designs, functions, system modules, process operations, requirements, or other elements that could appear in any configuration together with an occurrence currently being analyzed or modified by the engineer.