Högskolan i Skövde

The main contribution of this paper is to support how to economically motivate reconfigurability in production systems development. One main issue isthe currently tendency to end up in dedicated production solutions unfit to future product features. By exploring the economic rationale for modularization concerning changeability in semi-automatic assembly systems using system dynamics simulation, we aim to advance sustainable practices in manufacturing industry. Currently, the traditional approach in product realization processes is to develop and industrialize one product at a time. However, this is becoming obsolete due to demands of more frequent product introductions, technological innovations, and sustainability requirements. Thereto, the trends of increasing variety and customization imply costly modifications during the production system lifecycle. To address the challenges, scholars advocate for using modular architectures in designing products and production systems, facilitated through product platforming. However, the economic rationale for product platforming encompassing production system lifecycle management is less reported. Using system dynamics simulation enables structuring several economic dependencies of reconfigurable modularization in the wider context of production system development, derived from empirical findings from four case studies. The results indicate considering long-term cost implications beyond the prevailing short-term economic frames is needed to nurture the industrial transformation towards sustainability.