Boost your digitalization: modularization

One of the concepts I think is poorly understood by many is the notion of modularization. Generally, most people will consider a more modular system as preferable to a less modular system. As a consequence, modularity is viewed as positive and generally used as an alternative word for “good.”

My concern with this view is that it ignores a few realities about systems engineering. The first is that modularity typically has a downside in terms of reduced efficiency and increased resource usage. In a more integrated system, different parts can access each other more directly and with less overhead. This is why in traditional systems engineering, modularity is sacrificed to increase efficiency so that components with lower performance and cost can be used. So, modularity has a price many fail to recognize.