The use of models in the development of technical systems is well established across many areas of the development process. However, the increase in data volumes and the growing possibilities for digitalizing development activities have created a need for management systems. Existing solutions are not explicitly optimized for the management and use of development models. A novel model platform is the core concept of this dissertation, supporting engineers in selecting and visualizing models in a more targeted way. This dissertation provides solutions for a model management approach in the form of a model platform, including a model database, visualization solutions, and a method for the effective selection of models for a development task. The research focuses on the early phase of the development process and on deriving required model structures, associated model selection, and visualization. Thus, this work contributes to the digitalization of product development, supporting efficiency improvements, frontloading, and the sustainable use of models as part of a comprehensive knowledge management strategy.