Configuration and options management processes and tools: an automotive OEM case study

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to propose a three-staged approach to configuration change management that uses a combination of complexity analysis, data visualization, and algorithmic validation to assist in validating configuration changes. Design/methodology/approach In order to accomplish the above purpose, the authors conducted a review of existing configuration management practices. This was followed by an in-depth case study of the configuration management practices of a major automotive OEM. The primary means of data collection for the case study were interviews, ethnographic study, and document analysis. Based on the results of the case study, a set of support tools is proposed to assist in the configuration management process. Findings Through the case study, the authors identified that the OEM used a configuration management method that largely represented the rule-based reasoning methods identified in the literature review. In addition, many of the associated challenges are present, primarily, the difficulty in making changes to the rule system and evaluating the changes. Research limitations/implications The primary limitation is that the case study was based on a single OEM. However, the results are in line with other practices identified in the literature review. Therefore, it is expected that the findings and recommendations should hold true in other applications. Practical implications A set of configuration management tools and associated requirements are identified and defined that could be used to assist companies in the automotive industry, and perhaps others, in managing their option changes as they continue to move towards full mass customization of products. Originality/value The proposed approach for configuration management has not been seen in any other organization. The value of this paper is in the effectiveness of the proposed approach in assisting in the configuration change management process.

Part Change Management: A Case Study on Automotive Engineering and Production; Domestic and International Perspectives

“…The new view on ECs is timely, as, across manufacturing industries, there has been a widespread shift in the approach to manufacturing, from mass production to mass customization [32]. This new approach has been embraced by manufacturers because of the need to make continuous improvements in order to create competitive products [31].…”

“…An example of design changes may take the form of introduction of new options or packages in a vehicle model. Option change management intersects both manufacturing and design [32]. While there are some differences between design engineering changes and manufacturing engineering changes, the processes for implementing these are similar.…”

“…Rouibah and Caskey posed an ECM system with four key steps: tracking change impact on product structure elements, identifying the people to be informed of the change, determining a sequence for informing the previously identified people, and executing approval and release of workflow with the participation of all involved parties [26]. A fourth set of steps was posited by Phelan et al which consisted of the EC request, development of possible solutions, evaluation of change impacts, EC approval, implementation, and then review of the EC [32].…”

Achieving automotive suppliers’ mass customization through modularity

“…Literature has suggested that MC can be achieved through practices that are related to modularity (Kincade et al , 2007) or postponement (Li et al , 2006). Some studies have also examined the implementation of MC strategies by combining modularity and postponement (Phelan et al , 2017; Ernst and Kamrad, 2000; Brun and Zorzini, 2009).…”