Transition to product line engineering

Product Line Engineering (PLE) is an approach to systematic reuse, based on business strategies. In order to establish the corresponding structure and supportive culture within an existing organization, many changes are necessary. To master this organizational transition with low upfront investment and high chances for success, a minimalistic and incremental approach is necessary. This consists of introducing new roles and responsibilities in the organization in small chunks, just on demand, incorporating existing ones as much as possible. The essential roles to be introduced are the product manager for the product line respectively its core assets, and a change control board to manage these assets, while development takes place in the existing organization. As soon as proven effective, these roles are strengthened with additional responsibilities, towards establishing a more effective (full fledged) PLE approach.