Prototype implementation of a virtual product family through a web-based custom product specification system
by Ronald S. Farrell, Timothy W. Simpson, Gary M. Stump, Jaeil Park
International Journal of Mass Customisation (IJMASSC), Vol. 2, No. 1/2, 2007

Abstract: For companies that must provide customised products on demand, it is important that individual customer wants and needs be addressed and incorporated early in the design process. Web-based design interfaces have emerged as useful tools for facilitating customer interactions while providing customer-friendly and cost-effective interfaces. The effectiveness of the interface can be greatly enhanced through the implementation of a strategic customisation process that can proactively react to customer requests. The design process results in a virtual product line that approaches the goal of providing nearly infinite variety at minimal costs. The process provides a basis for a true customisation approach, which is different from the typical mass customisation approach to provide ample but limited product variety a priori for a targeted market. In this paper, we describe a prototypical implementation of a web-based custom product specification system and the underlying strategic design process that is based on a collection of product platforms. The development is illustrated using an example from ongoing research with a company that produces customised valves for the power industry.

Online publication date: Fri, 16-Mar-2007

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Mass Customisation (IJMASSC):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com