Purpose




This paper aims to explore the use of the knowledge management (KM) perspective for configuration projects. Configuration projects implement configurators as information technology systems that help companies manage the specification process of customised products. An effective method of retrieving and formalising knowledge for configurators is essential, because it can reduce the risk of unsuccessful implementation and the time and effort required for development. Unfortunately, no standard KM frameworks are available specifically for configuration projects. This study identifies the knowledge necessary for different phases of a configuration project (which knowledge, for what purpose and from what sources), examines how it is transformed during a configuration project (what KM activities and tools are used) and establishes how the knowledge can be documented for future maintenance and updates.




Design/methodology/approach




This paper proposes a four-step framework for making the KM process more efficient in configuration projects. The framework is based on the literature, developed in collaboration with industrial partners and tested on four configuration projects in two engineering companies. The framework is a structured KM approach designed to save time for both domain experts and the configuration team. The authors have used a qualitative exploratory design based on multiple data sources: documentation, workshops and participant observation.




Findings




The proposed framework comprises four steps: determination of the system’s scope, to establish the project’s goal based on stakeholders’ requirements and prioritise the required products and processes; knowledge acquisition, to classify the knowledge according to the desired output and identify different knowledge sources; modelling and knowledge validation; and documentation and maintenance, to ensure that the KM system can be maintained and updated in the future.




Research limitations/implications




Because the framework is tested on a limited number of cases, its generalisability may be limited. However, focusing on a few case applications allows us to assess the effectiveness of the framework in detail and in depth to identify the practical challenges of applying it. The results of the tests support the framework’s validity. Although the framework is designed mainly for engineering companies, other industries could benefit from using it as well.




Practical implications




The individual steps of the framework create a structured approach for the KM process. Thus, the approach can save both time and resources for companies, without the need for additional investment.




Originality/value




A standard framework is lacking in the literature on KM for configuration projects. This study fills that gap by developing a KM framework for configuration projects, based on KM frameworks developed for IT projects, and KM tools.

/pdf/how-to-scope-configuration-projects-and-manage-the-knowledge-3ot6xvpogt.pdf

How to scope configuration projects and manage the knowledge they require

https://backend.orbit.dtu.dk/ws/files/149228355/The_main_challenges_for_manufacturing_companies_in_implementing_and_utilizing_configurators_1_.pdf

The main challenges for manufacturing companies in implementing and utilizing configurators


Purpose
This paper aims to empirically examine the impact of dynamic capabilities on Industry 4.0 capabilities in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Jordan. It also aims to examine the potential impact of industry 4.0 capabilities on technological innovation.


Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 210 respondents who work and own SMEs in Jordan. SmartPLS software based on the partial least squares-structural equation modeling approach was used to test hypotheses.


Findings
The findings reveal the positive effects of the three components of dynamic capabilities, including sensing, seizing and reconfiguring, on Industry 4.0 capabilities. They also confirm the positive effect of Industry 4.0 capabilities on technological innovation.


Originality/value
This study provides valuable practical implications and enriches the literature on the determinants of Industry 4.0 capabilities and its role in developing the dynamic capabilities of SMEs, such as technological innovation.


Antecedents of Industry 4.0 capabilities and technological innovation: a dynamic capabilities perspective

Product configuration is to make decisions on component selections and combination to constitute a customized product under mass customization production. However, the uncertainties (such as component supplies) in product configuration setting are not considered in the existing product configurators. To handle the uncertainty in component replenishment lead-time, a new stochastic decision model is proposed in this paper using two-stage stochastic programming approach. Further, a pre-procuring strategy for component supply is employed to reduce total configuration costs and shorten the delivery date of customized products. The stochastic decision model for product configuration is solved by using Lagrangian relaxation algorithm. The effectiveness of the stochastic decision model is demonstrated through case studies from both computer configuration and ranger drilling machine configuration. Computational comparisons with a commercial solver (CPLEX) indicate that the proposed stochastic decision model provides competitive solution results.

Decision support to product configuration considering component replenishment uncertainty: A stochastic programming approach

PurposeProduct configurators are expert systems that support product customization by defining how predefined entities and their properties may be combined. Developers of configuration systems act as designers, although they do not often recognize that they are performing as such. Moreover, exploring solution spaces is typically not integral to configuration projects, as this task is typically perceived as mapping existing knowledge to the configurator. This article argues that developing configurators may be understood by distinguishing between the problem and solution spaces using design thinking (DT).Design/methodology/approachA multiple-case-study approach with four configuration projects is adopted to study two projects involving DT and compare them to two similar projects not involving DT. Data collection depended on multiple data sources via workshops and semi-structured interviews.FindingsFirst, DT methods and concept–knowledge (C-K) theory are integrated into configuration projects. Second, the application of DT during configurator development is presented through workshops and interviews, which demonstrates the benefits of DT in overcoming existing challenges.Research limitations/implicationsThe case studies demonstrate the successful implementation of DT in developing configurators. However, a limited number of cases in only one company limits the generalizability of the results.Practical implicationsThe framework's individual steps create a structured approach to supporting industrial companies with a toolbox of DT techniques and methods for configuration projects.Originality/valueThe results show that the application of DT to configuration projects can improve user motivation, stakeholder satisfaction and knowledge acquisition.

/pdf/application-of-design-thinking-to-product-configuration-1knv6ood0m.pdf

Application of design thinking to product-configuration projects

The documentation of product configuration systems: A framework and an IT solution

Framing business cases for the success of product configuration system projects

Factors influencing knowledge sharing in new product development in high-tech manufacturing firms

Adoption of additive manufacturing: A survey of the role of knowledge networks and maturity in small and medium-sized Danish production firms

Existing literature on optimizing inventory levels in pharmaceutical supply chains has focused on a limited set of drivers. However, the global supply chain disruptions produced by the Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated the need for a more nuanced picture of the inventory management drivers in this sector to identify profitable inventory configurations while fulfilling demands and safety margins. To address this gap in the literature, this paper identifies key drivers impacting inventory levels and develops a framework for assessing inventory configurations in pharmaceutical supply chains. The framework is tested using a single case study approach. The case study showed that while external and downstream supply chain factors were recognized as being critical to pursuing inventory reduction initiatives, internal factors prevailed when making inventory management decisions. The framework developed in this paper may assist practitioners in identifying the most important factors impacting inventory levels within a specific pharmaceutical supply chain configuration and is in use in the industry today. 

/pdf/identification-of-key-drivers-for-improving-inventory-n3rin41c.pdf

Identification of key drivers for improving inventory management in pharmaceutical supply chains

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