Towards a contribution to modularity concepts and principal domains

Abstract

Modularity concept emerged in the 1960's within the computer industrial sector, bringing considerable competitive advantages and benefits. Since this period, modular approach has been applied in many industrial sectors, such as automotive, electronics, furniture and others. In this sense, this study examined papers regarding modularity and their applications in the industrial and organizational perspectives, towards a concept better understanding and context where it is applied. A theoretical-conceptual paper was carried out through a hypothetical-deductive method to analyze the publications. Results show similarities and discrepancies among modularity concept variations. In addition, it was perceived that automotive industry has been sorely using modularity in design, production and use. Lastly, benefits, difficulties and recommendations were identified in the modular approach adoption. Thus, it can be concluded that a difficult still remains in defining a unique and broad modularity concept, due to variants according to the modularity approach (design, production, organizational, etc.) utilized. Future studies should search for a better understanding about variations of modularity concept, trying to find what characteristics are predominant throughout all concept variants.

Configuration platform for customisation of design, manufacturing and assembly processes of building façade systems: A building information modelling perspective

“…The concept of modularity is believed to have first emerged in the computer industry in 1960's [24] and then widely spread to manufacturing. However, originally published in French in 1950s, Le Corbusier's Le Modulor [25] and Le Modulor II [26], were the first attempts on dimensional coordination which gave rise to modularisation as a basis for other industrialised and non-traditional methods in post WWII Modern Architecture [27].…”

Design modularity: identification of benefits and difficulties through a bibliographical analysis in the perspective of automotive assemblers and suppliers

“…One of its purposes is to offer a broad overview of this strategy for vehicle development. This work is part of a major research project on modularity, which previous results were published earlier (CAUCHICK MIGUEL, 2004CABRAL NETTO;MARIOKA, 2009;HSUAN, 2010;VARANDAS JÚNIOR;, 2012CORRÊA;.…”