New complex product introduction by means of product configuration

Configuration systems have widely been applied to efficiently address the customization responsive-ness squeeze of companies dealing with Mass Cus-tomization. Over time, several frameworks have been introduced to enable their systematic plan-ning, analyses, development and implementation. Traditional research has thereby either focused on defining modelling techniques for the configuration model of stable products, on improved configura-tion algorithms, or on the impact of configurators on companies’ operations. However, little attention has yet been paid how the growing need for prod-uct innovation can effectively been supported. Es-pecially for engineering companies moving to-wards Mass Customization, compared to mass pro-ducers the challenges caused by the complexity of their products and by the highly uncertain markets are much higher. This study develops and validates a framework which enables the use of configura-tion systems along the introduction of complex products. It in particular examines (1) what are suitable development strategies for configuration systems during product innovation, (2) how prod-uct development and configuration development can be aligned and managed, and (3) how supplier integration can be achieved.