Definition and evaluation of product configurator development strategies

Haug, Anders; Hvam, Lars; Mortensen, Niels Henrik

doi:10.1016/j.compind.2012.02.001

Cited by 62 publications

(62 citation statements)

References 18 publications

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“…The scenarios are evaluated both technically and functionally in relation to the established functional requirements, while also evaluating the costs and risks of realizing the scenarios described. The evaluations are carried out in accordance with the current state of configuration [27] and CAD/BIM technology.…”

Section: Methods Descriptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using a Configuration System to Design Toilets and Place Installation Shafts

Kudsk¹,

Hvam²,

Thuesen³

2013

TOBCTJ

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Abstract:The aim of this research is to discover how configuration systems can support a product's design process when a high degree of variation is required and a very open or endless space exists for possible configurations. The article is based on an industrial case involving a firm that wishes to offer a bathroom configurator to architects. The aim of the configurator is to help architects design a bathroom according to relevent requirements and norms. In offering the configurator, the firm aims to enable a design that can be coordinated with a prefabricated installation shaft sold by the firm, and also to create customer leads. Four scenarios are developed for how design can be supported by four different types of configuration technologies. The four scenarios are evaluated in relation to a number of functional and technical requirements. The scenarios indicate that a good and varied range of opportunities exist for using configuration systems in the construction industry. They also show that it can be done without fundamentally changing the present process.

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Section: Methods Descriptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using a Configuration System to Design Toilets and Place Installation Shafts

Kudsk¹,

Hvam²,

Thuesen³

2013

TOBCTJ

Self Cite

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…A product configurator is a subtype of a software based on expert systems or knowledge-based systems whose crucial purpose is the transfer of every individual customer's needs into a complete and valid product specification that will satisfy the customer's needs within the production range of a company [13]. As regards OKP companies, the use of product configurators has created a number of benefits, such as shorter deadlines, higher product specification quality, preservation of knowledge, less financial burden for product specification, product optimisation, less routine work, improvement of delivery safety and shorter period of training new employees.…”

Section: Product Configuratorsmentioning

confidence: 99%

CUSTOMER INVOLVEMENT AND PRODUCT CONFIGURATORS IN SMEs OKP WITH THE DOMINANT VARIATION OF THE TOPOLOGY

Aleksić

Janković

2017

FU Aut Cont Rob

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“…The reuse of design knowledge has been studied by many researchers throughout the years. Haug et al [18] emphasises knowledge acquisition where the knowledge of the domain experts is gathered and formalised. Stokes [19] presents a complete framework and in detailed described methodology, called MOKA, aiming to collect and formalise knowledge in order to create knowledge based systems.…”

Section: Frame Of Referencementioning

confidence: 99%

Introducing Design Descriptions on Different Levels of Concretisation in a Platform Definition

André

Stolt

Elgh

2016

Product Lifecycle Management in the Era of Internet of Things

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Abstract. Product platforms has been widely accepted in industry as a means to reach both high product variety while maintaining business efficiency. For suppliers of highly customised products, however, the development of a platform based upon pre-defined modules is a challenge. This is due to the large differences between the various systems their products are to be integrated into and the customer's individual preferences. What is common for most platform descriptions is the high level of concretisation, such as predefined modules, they are built upon, but how can companies act when that is not possible? Are there other principles that can be used for the definition of a product platform? This paper presents a concept to incorporate other types of descriptions of different levels of concretisation into a product platform. Parts of the concept has been realised in a computer support tool and tested at a case company in order to improve their quotation process.Keywords: Product platform, quotation, engineering design, reuse, design rationale IntroductionSystematic investments in technology development (TD) has been pointed out as a strategy for companies in industry to gain competitive advantage. This is a paramount challenge for suppliers since their products are to be integrated into different systems introducing several complex interfaces, markets, product uses and individual preferences. In past research a large emphasis has been put on splitting TD from product development (PD) since they differ in prerequisites, technical maturity, time horizon, need for competence, process repeatability, completion point and deliverables [1]. It follows that by separating TD from PD one can reduce risk in PD projects [2].For a sub-supplier developing and manufacturing engineer-to-order (ETO) products, this becomes even more challenging due to the uncertainty regarding future customer requirements and needs. The challenge lies in conducting long term TD, developing the "right" technology for a future market that is ready to be introduced in a product when the time comes. At the same time a sub-supplier must fulfil the customer individual preferences, introducing a demand for customisation which often has, compared to TD, a much shorter timeframe. This stresses for strategies covering both long term and short term perspectives. Product platforms has been suggested as an enabler for efficient customisation. However, the platform definition that builds upon pre-defined modules and components has been shown to not be applicable to all companies working with an ETO business approach [3]. This article elaborates how such a company can describe the outcome of TD and PD by introducing descriptions on different levels of concretisation. This is discussed in connection to a platform approach as a means to increase reuse of design knowledge. In order to support the presented concept a novel computer tool has been developed. The research question can be stated as: How can a platform be described in order to support customisation in a...

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Definition and evaluation of product configurator development strategies

Cited by 62 publications

References 18 publications

Using a Configuration System to Design Toilets and Place Installation Shafts

Using a Configuration System to Design Toilets and Place Installation Shafts

CUSTOMER INVOLVEMENT AND PRODUCT CONFIGURATORS IN SMEs OKP WITH THE DOMINANT VARIATION OF THE TOPOLOGY

Introducing Design Descriptions on Different Levels of Concretisation in a Platform Definition

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