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.
Outgrowing Production Architecture: Case-Based Insights Into Diagnostics Of Strategic Misfit
Holst-Nielsen, Peter; Zanchetta Klercke, Kristoffer; Mortensen, Niels Henrik
Type:
Year:
2026
Editor:
Juuti, T.; Karhunen, V; Vanhatalo, M.; Lehtonen, T.;Kopra, M-J.
Author:
Series:
NordDESIGN
Institution:
Technical University of Denmark, Denmark
Page(s):
242-250
DOI number:
ISBN:
978-1-912254-21-7
ISSN:
NA
Abstract:
Many organizations operate production architectures designed long ago, with the goal of optimizing performance against yesterday's goals. Over time, these become increasingly misaligned with evolved demands for volume and complexity. This paper presents insights into recognition of when such architectures are outgrown, using a theory-building single-case study of an internal asset provider in discrete manufacturing, we analyse historical and present data, we identify four observable symptoms that co-evolve before significant performance deterioration. These are: Rising orders outside established architectural boundaries, complexity overflow inside the architecture, market technical misalignment, and strategic misalignment. We propose pattern-based interpretation, emphasising broad co-movements over time. While bounded to large, data-rich, vertically integrated companies, the indicators are operationalized from available data, and can support earlier, evidence-based action.
Keywords:
