Integrated development of modular product platforms

The systematic fostering of economies of scale is essential for companies to obtain their competitiveness in the future. A proven solution for the resulting dilemma between scale and scope are modular product platforms, which can be designed in two different ways: Modules can be developed either for a dedicated product line and then be added to the platform or they can be developed directly for the entire modular product platform the products are derived from. A recent survey conducted by our chair states that developing modules for the entire platform covers a higher potential to create commonalities. However, this approach requires more capabilities to cope with complexity, since individual development projects are highly interconnected and no longer subject to the requirements of only a single product line. Current research approaches mainly focus on the design of modular platforms, whereas challenges concerning the design of the related organizational structure are hardly considered. This paper aims at presenting an organizational framework for the integrated design of modular product platforms. A process model has been developed containing the following steps: planning of platform products, design of modular product platform structures using degrees of freedom, development of modules and configuration and adaptation of products.