Versions/Variants Management: the dilemma of choice between multiplying objects and/or multiplying attributes

Almost every company has to deal with multiple versions / variants of their products, services, ... Trying to manage versions / variants in systems engineering efficiently and effectively starts with the dilemma of choice between multiplying objects and/or multiplying attributes when it comes to features, requirements, architecture elements, hazards, risk control measures, verification & validation (V&V) / test cases, V&V / test results, ... and ultimately traceability.

In addition to an elaboration of some alternatives within those two choices, pros and cons will be presented and some tool implementations will be mentioned.

In particular, as the main focus is requirements engineering / management, V&V / testing, risk management, safety assurance, ..., the impacts on traceability are a major criterion. However, the human factor will not be neglected.