Product Information Management for Mass Customization

Successfully managed product information for mass customization avoids disclosure of how these systems work. This is the first book to provide a holistic recognition of the essential aspects of an IT-supported product configuration system. It reveals the basic building blocks of these systems and their operational and strategic implications.

List of Figures List of Tables List of Cases Foreword Preface Reader's Guide PART I: PRODUCT CONFIGURATION Product Configuration: A New Approach to More Efficient Product Customization Configuration Process and Configurable Products Traditional Approaches to Configuration PART II: PRODUCT CONFIGURATION SYSTEMS Configuration Systems Architecture Commercial Product Modelling Technical Product Modelling Other Product Models PART III: SELECTION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A CONFIGURATOR Configurators and Management Information Systems Selecting a Product Configurator Implementing a Configuration System PART IV: OPERATIONAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL IMPLICATIONS OF A CONFIGURATION SYSTEM A Comprehensive View: The Sideco Case Study Configurational Approach: Aligning Product, Processes and Organization Systems Bibliography Index