Make or Buy? Using off-the-shelf vs in-house Tools for Electrical and Electronic Systems Development

Many modern products, including automobiles, aircraft and industrial machinery, contain sophisticated electrical and electronic (E/E) systems. E/E systems now deliver much of the product’s functionality, but impact key parameters such as reliability, cost, and weight. While E/E systems development has traditionally been supported by in-house tools, powerful commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) software solutions are now available to support E/E systems development, including wire harness manufacturing. Companies must weigh several factors when deciding whether to continue investing in in-house (proprietary) software development or to adopt COTS solutions. In particular, needs for flexibility, enterprise integration and IP protection impact this ‘make or buy’ decision in the E/E domain.