Using multiple feature models to specify configuration options for electrical transformers: an experience report

Electrical Transformers are complex devices that exhibit an enormous variability depending on the intended power transformation, environmental conditions, standards imposed and customer particularities. Incomplete information or inconsistencies in the specifications can lead to re-processes and higher bid times. This paper presents our experience on using multiple feature models to specify custom Electrical Transformer as a Configuration Process. This process facilitates the elicitation of knowledge from multidisciplinary experts using several feature models, one per domain and per standard and defining relationships among them. This separation of domains eases the analysis and validation of the models. To support the process, we have developed some tools to separate, merge and analyze these models. The final feature models are tested configuring and comparing products from existing company catalogs. We consider that the same strategy can be used in other contexts where experts on multiple disciplines participate.