Methods in Product Design

Chapter  7

Product Variety and Manufacturing Complexity

Ali K. Kamrani, PhD, PE

Industrial Engineering Department, University of Houston, Houston, Texas

CONTENTS

Abstract

7.1 Design for Variety

7.2 Costs of Variety

7.3 Qualitative Methods for Managing Product Variety

7.3.1 Product Structure Graph

7.3.2 Process Sequence Graph

7.3.3 Commonality Graph Method

7.3.3.1 Process Sequence versus Commonality

7.3.3.2 Lead Time versus Commonality

7.3.3.3 Customer Requirements versus Commonality

7.3.3.4 Design for Logistics and Manufacture (DFLM)

7.3.3.5 Organizing for Lean Manufacturing

7.3.3.6 Integrative Supplier Relationships

7.3.3.7 Process Orientation and Consistent Performance Measures

7.4 Quantitative Methods for Managing Product Variety (Martin ...