Modularity in Products
A successful modular product is one which is composed of independently designed units (modules) which function as an integrated whole (Baldwin and Clark, 1997). Modularity is achieved using product architecture to specify the role of each module and its relationships to other modules. These relationships are known as design rules and form the core strength of modularity.
Design rules embody all the information required to design and manufacture a module. The result of this is that a hypothetical supplier need only know the relevant design rules in order to independently create a module. Furthermore, all other information can be 'hidden' inside the module, and need not be known when examining the product as a whole.
Design rules embody all the information required to design and manufacture a module. The result of this is that a hypothetical supplier need only know the relevant design rules in order to independently create a module. Furthermore, all other information can be 'hidden' inside the module, and need not be known when examining the product as a whole.
Architecture and Design Rules
The use of design rules is incredibly powerful. It greatly simplifies the design of products, which is a notoriously difficult and re-iterative process. Upon specification of an architecture, all module designs can run in parallel, as all required information is embodied in the design rules which greatly reduces dependencies. In addition, modular architectures limit the knock-on effects of redesign, meaning that the redesign of one component will not require the changes in the whole system.
Modular architectures allow firms to 'mix and match' components, increasing the range of product families. Modularity also allows firms to innovate their products more easily by improving individual components and removing complex interrelationships. In the face of environmental change firms are able to react more quickly, as modularity simplifies the management of products and processes.
The use of design rules is incredibly powerful. It greatly simplifies the design of products, which is a notoriously difficult and re-iterative process. Upon specification of an architecture, all module designs can run in parallel, as all required information is embodied in the design rules which greatly reduces dependencies. In addition, modular architectures limit the knock-on effects of redesign, meaning that the redesign of one component will not require the changes in the whole system.
Modular architectures allow firms to 'mix and match' components, increasing the range of product families. Modularity also allows firms to innovate their products more easily by improving individual components and removing complex interrelationships. In the face of environmental change firms are able to react more quickly, as modularity simplifies the management of products and processes.
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See the following links for a detailed look at
Organizational Modularity - Limitations to Modularity
Or go back to Modularity, The Basics
Organizational Modularity - Limitations to Modularity
Or go back to Modularity, The Basics