Modularity in production
<\/strong>Modularity applied in production can be defined as the ease with which individual modules (complex elements) can be separated and combined without compromising the integrity of the product. Modularity also means that elements of a product or process can be executed independently in different economic organizations and then assembled by an integrator (assembly plant) with a predictable result.
If a finished product is not modular, the elements used for its production are specifically adapted to each other. As a result, replacing a module with another to produce a product variant requires compensatory changes to other elements to maintain the integrity (compatibility) of the product. In contrast, modularly built products consist of interconnected elements that interact with each other according to strictly defined and unified standards. This approach allows elements to be matched as long as they are compatible and meet diverse customer expectations. Modular sourcing is the result of the existence of many types of production in a modular system, such as: original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), original design manufacturers (ODMs), electronics manufacturing services (EMS), virtual organizations (VO), and others. In many cases, alliances are formed with modular industrial clusters that operate in developing countries. Such a solution is optimal for resource configuration, absorption of new technologies, and knowledge in different countries – it brings benefits to both the supplier and the recipient.<\/p>
The use of modularity in the area of production and logistics is widespread in today’s global economy. The manufacturing industry (shipbuilding, automotive, aerospace, electronics, computer) relies to a large extent (or even entirely) on the delivery of major modules by suppliers for the production of final products. In most cases, in the presented industries, the supplied modules are subject to full design freedom. Exceptions are modules that require certain specifications related to functionality and the matching of standard modules with other modules of the final product.<\/p>
The application of modularity allows for a reduction in technical efforts related to engineering work. This is illustrated by an example: if a finished product consists of 9 individual parts, there are 12 internal connections between these elements. These connections are a problem for engineers involved in design and production technology because the parts must be properly matched and must allow for seamless cooperation in a functional way. Significant engineering labor will be expended if 9 elementary parts are supplied by 9 independent companies. The use of more effective outsourcing (using more structurally advanced subassemblies in modular production) will allow for a reduction in the number of internal connections and a decrease in labor input in the area of production preparation and production processes (assembly). This is illustrated in Figure 1.<\/p>
Modular sourcing strategy
<\/strong>Purchasing is one of the stages of supply logistics. It means the acquisition of goods and services. The presented observation is a rather narrow perception of the purchasing process. According to K. Kowalska, the term purchasing<\/em> should be understood as an exchange transaction that begins when material needs are known. In the purchasing process at the operational level, 4 stages can be distinguished:<\/p>
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specifying the type of purchase,<\/div>
<\/li>determining the necessary level of input (time, information, etc.),<\/div>
<\/li>executing the actual purchasing process,<\/div>
<\/li>evaluating the effectiveness of the completed purchasing process.<\/div>
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<\/ul>A modular sourcing strategy means moving away from “traditional” methods of acquiring industrial goods. Its goal is to reduce the complexity of the production process. It enables manufacturers to better cope with the complexity of production processes and increase production flexibility. This strategy is preferred by companies that are keen on outsourcing selected production processes to a significant extent. It consists of purchasing and delivering assembly modules, prepared and finished by suppliers, to production lines at the operational level.<\/p>
The article comes from the “Logistyka” magazine 4\/2011.<\/p>
L2011-4s17.pdf<\/a>