Modular product architecture to manage product development complexity

Abstract

Shorter product life cycles, together with heterogeneous market demands, are forcing manufacturing companies to eliminate or reduce complexities in product development and supply chain. These complexities arise due to high level of interdependencies between component interfaces and supply chain participants. To address such complexities, companies need to focus on their product architecture and supply chain design. In this research, the impact of product architecture on developing modular products is highlighted. This modular principle is elaborated with the objective to reduce product development complexities. A case example is presented to define the importance of product architecture with the help of a design structure matrix (DSM) tool to reduce product development complexity. In addition, various drivers responsible for supply chain complexities are identified and categorised, and the relationship between product architecture and supply chain complexities are defined within the scope of this research.