Modularity - Limitations
The following possible limitations to modularity have been voiced by academics:
- Barrier to innovation: The creation of a modular architecture is resource intensive, and often allows firms to benefit from economies of scale. The high costs of creating a new architecture, and the associated redundancy of existing components can serve as a financial barrier to architectural or radical innovation in the face of environmental or technological shifts.
- Standardisation constraints: Interface standards can result in rigidity which severely constrains designers of components. Innovation is a result of constant re-learning, and standardisation can hamper learning efforts by dictating the shape of solutions.
- Imitation deterrence: Some academics have argued that while modularity can lead to performance gains, these may be overshadowed by increased competitor imitation. Reductions in complexity and interrelationships may not only benefit the manufacturer, but also the competitor looking to copy successful products.
- Barrier to innovation: The creation of a modular architecture is resource intensive, and often allows firms to benefit from economies of scale. The high costs of creating a new architecture, and the associated redundancy of existing components can serve as a financial barrier to architectural or radical innovation in the face of environmental or technological shifts.
- Standardisation constraints: Interface standards can result in rigidity which severely constrains designers of components. Innovation is a result of constant re-learning, and standardisation can hamper learning efforts by dictating the shape of solutions.
- Imitation deterrence: Some academics have argued that while modularity can lead to performance gains, these may be overshadowed by increased competitor imitation. Reductions in complexity and interrelationships may not only benefit the manufacturer, but also the competitor looking to copy successful products.
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