Conference Agenda

The choice of modular product structure strategies has far-reaching implications for development, production, and other aspects of the product life cycle. So far there is only limited methodological support for the decision process. This contribution proposes a conceptual impact model that illustrates the relationships between modular product strategies, induced effects, and resulting economic targets. The proposed impact model supports the decision making process in the early product development stage and serves as a basis for further methodological development.

Design automation (DA) frameworks are often too specialized to be broadly evaluated. This paper proposes the use of deliberately simple, accessible implementations to facilitate the collection of user feedback. The evaluation of a DA framework is demonstrated through the Bike Connector Tool, which automates the design of personalized bicycle accessory connectors. A case study yields valuable insights, including the need for spatial guidance, manual intervention and expanded design options. The results indicate that simple demonstrators can effectively support the evaluation of DA approaches.

This paper provides a structured overview of methods for assessing assembly complexity in manufacturing. A systematic literature review classifies approaches as product-, information-, or system-centered, each reflecting distinct sources of complexity and application contexts. A four-dimensional scheme enables consistent comparison. The results highlight methodological gaps and support future development of scalable, integrable models for planning and decision-making in high-variety production environments.

This study presents a structured approach for developing new modular, size-variable product families in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), demonstrated through a case study on air filtration units. Starting from a minimum viable product (MVP), the approach provides a framework for size level definition and systematic generation of alternative modular concepts while considering product-specific design trade-offs. An evaluation combining qualitative criteria assessment with quantitative cost forecasting enables transparent concept comparison.