New Complex Product Introduction by Means of Product Configuration

Configuration systems have widely been applied to efficiently address the customization responsiveness squeeze of companies dealing with Mass Cus-tomization. Over time, several frameworks have been introduced to enable their systematic planning , analyses, development and implementation. Traditional research has thereby either focused on defining modelling techniques for the configuration model of stable products, on improved configuration algorithms, or on the impact of configurators on companies' operations. However, little attention has yet been paid how the growing need for product innovation can effectively been supported. Especially for engineering companies moving towards Mass Customization, compared to mass producers the challenges caused by the complexity of their products and by the highly uncertain markets are much higher. This study develops and validates a framework which enables the use of configuration systems along the introduction of complex products. It in particular examines (1) what are suitable development strategies for configuration systems during product innovation, (2) how product development and configuration development can be aligned and managed, and (3) how supplier integration can be achieved.