Platform-oriented product development: prospects and limitations

Ahm Shamsuzzoha and Tauno Kekale

International Journal of Business Innovation and Research, 2010, vol. 4, issue 3, 179-194

Abstract: Globalised demands for products variants with reduced developmental time lead firms to consider effective and organised product development approach. In order to fulfil these requirements, manufacturing firms are increasingly moving towards platform-oriented product development or are planning to do so to reduce complexity and better leverage investments in product design, manufacturing and marketing. In this paper, an overview of key topics related to platform design and product variety management is provided. A review of recent works on product platform design and its application to industries is discussed. A generic design structure matrix (DSM) tool is presented that outlines an effective methodology for platform design. This methodology is explained through presenting an example of a diesel fueled ship engine. Different limitations and risks associated with the management of platform-based product design and development are discussed along with some future research directions too.

Keywords: product platforms; customisation; product variety; design structure matrix; commonality; product development; product design; globalisation; developmental time; leverage investments; manufacturing processes; marketing; diesel engines; ships; business innovation; R&D; research and development. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2010
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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