Knowledge Base Repository
In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.
DEGREES OF CUSTOMIZATION AND SALES SUPPORT SYSTEMS - ENABLERS TO SUSTAINIBILITY IN MASS CUSTOMIZATION
Gembarski, Paul Christoph; Lachmayer, Roland
Type:
Year:
2015
Editor:
Christian Weber, Stephan Husung, Gaetano Cascini, Marco Cantamessa, Dorian Marjanovic, Monica Bordegoni
Author:
Series:
ICED
Institution:
Leibniz Universitaet Hannover, Germany
Section:
Design for Life
Page(s):
191-198
ISBN:
978-1-904670-64-3
ISSN:
2220-4334
Abstract:
For more than 20 years, mass customization proofed as valuable business strategy to manufacture goods tailored to a customer’s needs with nearly mass production efficiency. After pointing out key characteristics of the MC business model using the product-process change matrix we discuss modular product architectures and process stability with regard to sustainability. As tools for translating customer needs into technical specifications a classification of sales support systems is presented where catalogues, query forms, sales configurators and choice navigation systems are characterized. After this we define as different degrees of customization 'tuning', 'cosmetic', 'set-up', 'composition', 'aesthetic co-design' and 'function co-design' and compare them by their impact on the value chain. Depending on market needs and the over-all business strategy both issues can be addressed as enablers for sustainability in the mass customization business model.
Keywords:
