Controlling Design Variants: Modular Product Platforms

An increasing number of successful manufacturing companies use the notion of modules and product platforms. But, what is a module and how can modular product platforms increase company efficiency while reducing time to market? This book describes modular design, the driving forces behind it and how it can help companies shorten developmental lead times, manage a high degree of customization, and reinforce product identity. This book also presents a systematic method for incorporating modular design principles into product development. Actual case studies from Volvo, Atlas Copco Controls, VBG, and Sepson illustrate how the method achieves increased company efficiency while reducing time to market. Co-published by SME and ASME.