Project organizations and platforms
5 important questions on Project organizations and platforms
Discuss the Organizational Development over time. Why is a multi project organization good?
In project team organizations, projects are focused on one product/project at a time.
In multi project organizations (Toyota), projects which are working on similar technologies are communicating. Instead of optimizing products sequentially, optimize them at the same time.
In this way, investments in new technologies can be leveraged quickly across products.
Downside: what if something particular for a market segment?
Solution: Can still create a autonomous project by then
Is platform development a strategic business issue or an design issue?
What are the potential benefits of platform (and module) development?
On the one hand, platforms allow for cost advantage: economy of scale and economies of learning and all the benefits of simplicity: quality, inventory, design, etc.
On the other hand, platforms combined with modules allow for customization and differentiation, especially important in markets with high margins in customization. By effectively choosing platforms and modules, even a wider product range can be sold.
What are typical strategic questions to address during platform development?
• How should our product families evolve over time?
• How wide should our product families be?
• In which order should products based on a platform be launched?
• When and how should platforms be renewed?
• How should we balance the integrity of the individual product with the integrity of the product family as a whole?
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What are key success factors in efficient platform development?
2. Brand strategy and identity defined and communicated
3. Develop new terminology and definitions
4. Systematic approach to product structuring and modularization
5. True cross-functional team work
6. Use of quantitative platform-related measurements
In which 4 classifications can parts be divided while keeping brand uniqueness and platform development?
What are the x and y axis?
Y-axis: Brand impact
Profitable diversity: Low volume effect, high impact on brand (gear lever button)
Trade offs: high volume effect, high impact on brand (doors)
Profitable commonality: high volume effect, low impact on brand (5th wheel)
Rationalization: low volume effect, low brand impact (nuts and bolts)
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