Modular Product FamiliesChris Hoag and Ted Radtke

References

• Controlling Design Variants by Ericsson and Erixon

• The Power of Product Platforms by Meyer and Lehnerd

• Managing Product Families by Sanderson and Uzumeri

• TM 9-2330-280-20-1 Technical Manual Unit MaintenanceHQ, Department of the Army

Outline• Introduction• Modularity and Product Platforms• Managing Product Platforms• Platform Management Strategies• Modular Function Deployment• HMMWV• Conclusion

IntroductionProduct Modularity Development

• Increasing Complexity• Increase Efficiency• Expanding Technology• Streamlining• Need for Automation• Changing Demands

Modularity and Product Platforms

• Product Modularity• Product Platforms• Advantages of Modularity• Module Drivers• Levels of Modularity

Advantages of Modularity

• Increased Flexibility• Shorter Lead Time• Lower Cost• Improved Quality• Better Service• Ease of Upgrades

Module Drivers

• Technology Evolution• Product Changes• Common Units• Styling• Service & Maintenance• Upgrades & Recycling

Levels of Modularity

Managing Product PlatformsThe Power Tower

• Market Applications• Product Platforms• Common Building Blocks

Common Building BlocksThe Fuel for Product Platforms

• Customer Insights• Product Technologies• Manufacturing Technologies• Organizational Capabilities

Product Platforms

• Subsystem Interfaces• Platform Leverage• Evolving Entities• Manufacturing

Platform Strategies

• Niche-Specific Platforms• Horizontal Leverage• Vertical Scaling• Beachhead Strategy

Niche-Specific Platforms

• Common in Industry• Perfect Product for Each New Customer• Complex Manufacturing• Fragmented/Risk Losing Modularity• Least Effective Application

Horizontal Leverage

• Subsystems Leverage from Niche to Niche• Streams of Products to Related Customers• Easier to Manufacture• Less Time, Lower Cost, Better Performance• Spread of Flaws in Key Subsystems

Vertical Scaling

• Scale to Particular Market Segments• Top-Down or Bottom-Up• Requires More Flexibility• High-End Needs vs. Low-End Costs• Weaknesses of Key Subsystems

Modular Function Deployment

1) Define Customer Requirements

2) Select Technical Solutions

3) Generate Module Concept

4) Evaluate Module Concept

5) Optimize Modules

Step 1: Define CustomerRequirements

The Army’s needs: Product Properties:transportation modularizationrecovery mechanism sizedurable parts weighteasy maintenance shapelong life materialsafe powerfiring platformprotect soldiers (from weather and enemy)

Step 2: Select TechnicalSolutions

Transport Soldiers

Provide Protection(basic and supplementaryarmor / canvas)

Provide Power(selected engine)

Provide Durability(selected materials)

Step 3: Generate ModuleConcept

The Product Platform

M998 Utility Truck

Derive the Modules:WinchArmor ProtectionTow Launcher PlatformM60/MK19 PlatformsShelter4 Litter Ambulance2 Litter AmbulanceMaintenance Module

Step 4: Evaluate ModuleConcept

HMMWVuses BaseUnit Assembly

Step 5: Optimize / Implement Modules

• Test / develop the module specifications.

• Complete detailed design work for each module.

• Manufacture and assemble modules on the product platform.

M998 Utility Truck

Step 5: Applied Modules

Step 5: Applied Modules

Conclusion

• Why do we create modular products?

• Components Product Platforms

Product Families.

• The Army’s HMMWV.