Optimization Based Framework for Transforming Automotive Configurations for Production Planning

A product (e.g. automobile, computer) can be configured using different combinations of its available attributes (features). However, selection of attributes may not be independent of the selection of other attributes. In practice, each attribute implies a selection rule (dependency) for other sets of attributes in order to generate a valid configuration. Due to dynamic changes in the product design, miniaturization, legislation etc., product attributes and their selection rules get changed. This implies that variants produced in the past may not be valid for future product design. Nevertheless, customer history contains important information related to customer buying behaviour which is an essential input for future planning activities. In order to achieve efficient adaption of past customer orders to a changed product design, we propose a fully automated optimization based framework. The methodology is demonstrated using an industry size example.