Optimizing product configuration processes
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Master's Thesis
Master's Thesis
Program
Product development (MPPDE), MSc
Publicerad
2024
Författare
Udén, Adam
Mannerstråle, Victor
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
This thesis investigates the implementation of a new product configuration process
and the key factors that determine the success of the new process. Through data
collection methods and several analyses of the collected data, five key aspects were
identified: Standardization of formats and processes, Streamlining data flow, Enhanced
version control, Minimizing human errors, and Adapting to systems and
external parties.
Comprehensive analyses revealed that standardization and streamlining significantly
improve efficiency and reduce errors. The practical implementation of a new IT
system within the configuration process at the collaborative company Polestar underscored
the importance of establishing clear templates and workflows to enhance
consistency and ease of use. Streamlining data flow through automated notifications
and system integration minimized delays and gaps, increasing visibility and accountability.
Enhanced version control systems facilitated accurate tracking of document
revisions, promoting transparency and compliance for external and internal audits
and regulations. Minimizing human errors involved automating repetitive tasks and
implementing validation checks, improving accuracy and efficiency. Adapting to systems
and external parties emphasized the importance of collaboration and alignment
to ensure seamless data exchange. These findings align with the Lean methodology,
which emphasizes continuous improvement and customer-centricity.
Analyses conducted in this project provided a profound understanding of data flow
dynamics, overcoming challenges associated with stakeholder comprehension. Initial
visual mapping clarified data flow, while subsequent process and information models
offered nuanced insights into process dynamics and data integration, empowering
stakeholders to identify areas for improvement. This clarity facilitated collaborative
efforts, evident during the implementation of the new IT system with Polestar.
Moreover, the analysis of the new IT system underscored the significance of "Minimizing
Human Errors" and "Enhanced Version Control" in mitigating information
loss. Automated change logs and dedicated SharePoint folders streamlined document
tracking, reducing errors and enhancing efficiency and compliance with regulations.
Prioritizing these factors led to a smoother configuration process, minimizing
information loss and enhancing user accountability.
Further research is recommended to validate these findings across diverse companies
beyond Polestar, confirming the effectiveness of the identified framework in various
industries. Additionally, refining the developed IT system to address bugs and
expand its coverage within the configuration process could enhance its performance.
Exploring the optimal configuration process structure, whether a single supersystem
or multiple subsystems, would be valuable for future investigation, offering insights
into associated benefits and challenges