Configurational Approach: Aligning Product, Processes and Organization Systems

Abstract

Configuration systems have been defined as socio-technical systems, characterized by a technical component — the configurator — and an organizational component — people, procedures, processes, etc. To improve configuration system performance it is necessary to act on both technical and organizational dimensions. This chapter explains the logic used to maximize product configuration process performance. In particular, it:

• illustrates how automation of repetitive check activities allows the ‘delay syndrome’ and sluggish red-tape to be surmounted;

• highlights the changes in the roles and tasks of salesmen and designers, necessary to deploy the potential advantages of configurable products;

• explains how the configuration system may work as a mechanism for inter-company coordination;

• proposes an integrative model of the technical and organizational actions needed to efficiently offer customization through product configuration.