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

Abstract

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...