Key Metrics System for Variety Steering in Mass Customization

Blecker, Thorsten and Abdelkafi, Nizar and Kaluza, Bernd and Friedrich, Gerhard (2003): Key Metrics System for Variety Steering in Mass Customization. Published in: 2nd Interdisciplinary World Congress on Mass Customization and Personalization - MCPC’03 (6 October 2003)

Abstract

The main goal of this paper is to provide a key metrics system for variety steering in mass customization. We distinguish between objective and subjective customer needs. The subjective needs are the individually realized and articulated requirements, whereas the objective needs are the real ones perceived by a fictive neutral perspective. We show that variety in mass customization has to be orientated on the objective needs. In order to help mass customizers better evaluate the degree to which they can fulfill the objective needs as well as their internal complexity level, we have developed a key metrics system model. We also present a conceptual application showing how to use this model to support decision making related to the introduction or reduction of product variants.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Variety Management; Complexity; Production/Operations Management
• Subjects: L - Industrial Organization > L2 - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior > L23 - Organization of Production; D - Microeconomics > D2 - Production and Organizations > D20 - General

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