A Platform Model for Suppliers of Customized Systems: Creating an Ability to Master Fluctuating Requirements

Abstract

A platform model for suppliers of customized systems: Creating an ability to master fluctuating requirements. Conference, IDETC/CIE 2016, Charlotte, August 21-24, 2016 N.B. When citing this work, cite the original published paper. In: Proceedings of the ASME 2016 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences & Computers and Information in Engineering Permanent link to this version:http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-31567 A PLATFORM MODEL FOR SUPPLIERS OF CUSTOMIZED SYSTEMS -CREATING AN ABILITY TO MASTER FLUCTUATING REQUIREMENTS ABSTRACTCompanies developing highly customized products within the supplier industry are continuously faced with fluctuating requirements during both the quotation process and continued development. This research proposes a platform approach to aid suppliers when modularity or platform scalability do not suffice. The platform approach, Design Platform, focuses on descriptions that not only contain information about tangible components and systems but also information, knowledge and methods supporting the actual design of the product. A support system called Design Platform Manager has been developed to aid in using the platform approach and is introduced at a supplier active in the automotive industry. The system enables creation of generic product items that can be structured and instantiated to become product variants as well as Design Elements that are blocks of knowledge that describe a design or supports the activity of designing. A first evaluation is made that overall shows good result according to the company representatives.

The design platform – a coherent platform description of heterogeneous design assets for suppliers of highly customised systems

“…This was conducted twice and resulted in two sets of case evaluations and one final evaluation of the complete generic platform model. The first set of case evaluations was used as a status check in each case to evaluate the project progression; it is further described in (André, Stolt, and Elgh 2016;Heikkinen, Johansson, and Elgh 2016;Stolt et al 2016). The second set of case evaluations and the final evaluation were conducted using self-administered questionnaires.…”

Developing agile platform assets – exploring ways to reach beyond modularisation at five product development companies

“…For Engineer-To-Order and Modify-to-order business models, pure modular approaches are not feasible (André et al, 2016). Due to the high level of customisation, they need platform types that also can support the development phase which may be referred to as "development platforms" (Levandowski, 2014).…”

“…It is important to acknowledge that many industries are systems suppliers acting on a business-to-business market. Here, other capabilities are more important than a flexible production: short lead time in development, the ability to provide unique solutions and to master changes in requirements are of vital importance (André et al, 2016). A competitive edge is also gained by continuous development and application of new technologies, material and manufacturing methods.…”

“…Several Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) have made successful implementations of platform strategies based on a modular product architecture. However, the adoption of such a strategy has shown to be difficult for suppliers working in an Engineer-To-Order oriented business environment (André et al, 2016).…”