*3.2.3. Variant evaluation: choosing the product to be redesigned*

Comparing product variants identifies the range of product change. The presented rank method applies an evaluation indicator calculated according to the formula (1):

$$w\_{lxi} = \frac{|p\_{mkt}^{mz} - p\_{mkt}^w|}{p\_{mkt}^{mz}} \cdot 100\tag{1}$$

where:

wkzt—assessment indicator for product k, attribute z and variant t;

pmkzt woz—target level of product characteristic;

pmkzt <sup>w</sup>—offered attribute value.


*skt* ∈ {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}

skt—overall grade assessment of fulfilling requirements for variant t and configuration item k.

Configuration of a Customized Product http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.79523 63

Product alternative evaluation uses assumptions of the CBR method and decision rules which

It could happen that the selected product is not suitable for a particular client. In such a case, it is necessary to assess the range of change in the product and the manufacturing process,

The presented approach helps to identify the importance of product attribute and compares product components. The assessment of product components helps to choose the proper com-

The presented approach is useful in supporting decisions during product configuration. The results of overall product assessment are given in the bottom part of a QFD matrix (**Figure 8**) [41].

Changes in a redesigned product are focused on product structure and adapting the manufacturing process to allow to, e.g., fulfill a new function, reduce delivery time and reduce

skzt—assessment grade of fulfilling requirements for variant t and configuration item k.

which helps to determine the trade data related to the configured product.

*3.2.4. Range of change identification, assessment of work time related to technical documentation preparation and the manufacturing process of the configured product*

ponent variant or the variant which needs to be redesigned.

*k<sup>z</sup>* ∈ *N*

—importance weight of attribute *z.*

help to evaluate the presented solutions.

where:

kz

costs.

**Table 2.** Assessment rules.

**Figure 8.** Configuration item planning QFD matrix.


#### **Table 1.** Configuration item variants.

Evaluation of product variant could be determined with the use of the rules presented in **Table 2** and the Eq. (2) [45]:

$$s\_{lt} = \frac{\sum s\_{lt} \cdot k\_t}{z} \tag{2}$$

$$s\_{kt} \in \{1, 2, 3, 4, 5\}$$

$$k\_z \in N$$

where:

skt—overall grade assessment of fulfilling requirements for variant t and configuration item k.

skzt—assessment grade of fulfilling requirements for variant t and configuration item k.

kz —importance weight of attribute *z.*

Product alternative evaluation uses assumptions of the CBR method and decision rules which help to evaluate the presented solutions.

It could happen that the selected product is not suitable for a particular client. In such a case, it is necessary to assess the range of change in the product and the manufacturing process, which helps to determine the trade data related to the configured product.

The presented approach helps to identify the importance of product attribute and compares product components. The assessment of product components helps to choose the proper component variant or the variant which needs to be redesigned.

The presented approach is useful in supporting decisions during product configuration. The results of overall product assessment are given in the bottom part of a QFD matrix (**Figure 8**) [41].

*3.2.4. Range of change identification, assessment of work time related to technical documentation preparation and the manufacturing process of the configured product*

Changes in a redesigned product are focused on product structure and adapting the manufacturing process to allow to, e.g., fulfill a new function, reduce delivery time and reduce costs.


**Table 2.** Assessment rules.

Evaluation of product variant could be determined with the use of the rules presented in

*pm111 w pm112 w … pm11t w*

*pm2121 w pm212 w … pm21t w*

*pmk11 w pmk12 w … pmk1t w*

*…. …. …. …. …. ….*

*pmk1 pmk2 …. pmkz*

*…. …. …. ….*

*…. …. …. ….*

*…. …. …. ….* *pmkz1 w pmkz2 w … pmkzt w*

*pmkz1 w pmkz2 w … pmkzt w*

*pmkz1 w pmkz2 w … pmkzt w*

*pm121 w pm122 w … pm12t w*

*pm221 w pm222 w … pm22t w*

*pm221 w pm222 w … pm22t w*

*skt* <sup>=</sup> <sup>∑</sup>*<sup>z</sup> skzt* <sup>⋅</sup> *<sup>k</sup><sup>z</sup>* \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ *<sup>z</sup>* (2)

**Table 2** and the Eq. (2) [45]:

**Table 1.** Configuration item variants.

**Figure 8.** Configuration item planning QFD matrix.

62 Product Lifecycle Management - Terminology and Applications

*m<sup>1</sup> m<sup>11</sup>*

*m<sup>2</sup> m<sup>21</sup>*

*mk mk1*

**Configuration items Alternatives Attributes**

*\* m<sup>12</sup> \* … m1l \**

*\* m<sup>22</sup> \* … m2l \**

*\* mk2 \* … mkl \**

Product customization takes time needed to product redesign and manufacturing. Work time of specified tasks related to product development and manufacturing is one of the most important criteria which contribute to offer attractiveness. Delivery time could be assessed based on work time of product technical documentation and the manufacturing standard preparation.

The first stage of the algorithm was focused on definition of feeder device driving gear char-

Configuration of a Customized Product http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.79523 65

In the second stage of the algorithm, target motoreducer characteristics were specified and

The next stage of product configuration is concerned with identifying the product structure and product decomposition and selecting the configuration items (**Figure 10**). A too detailed product decomposition causes costs, but rough product decomposition causes risk related to

Characteristics of configuration item (components, modules, parts) alternatives of feeder

An example of *wkzt* coefficient calculation and s*kzt* grade determination for configuration items of feeder device driving gear was presented in **Tables 4** and **5**. Assessment of configuration

The range of change in product structure depends on, among others, the type of function introduced to the product. In the case of a motoreducer, product function can include, e.g., enabling assembly in a particular workplace, transmitting torque, etc. Changes on functions related to product assembly in a particular workplace can, for example, be focused on chang-

acteristic which was placed on the left part of QFD matrix (**Figure 9**).

entered to the bottom row in the QFD matrix.

device driving gear are presented in **Table 3**.

items alternatives used the rules presented in **Table 6**.

**Figure 9.** Attribute target value of feeder device driving gear.

A comparison of configuration item alternatives is presented in **Figure 11**.

product characteristic failure.

ing output shaft diameter.

Work time can be estimated with the use of work measurement methods which determine the length of time to complete a given task.

Work measurement methods include:


Work time estimation of the manufacturing process needs the process structure and planning parameters.
