Module-scale-based product platform planning

Planning product platform by taking full advantage of existing product resources is an effective tactic for mass customization, which can help not only keep market share, improve production batch, but also enhance customization. In this paper, we investigate a methodology for achieving the goal. As a basis, product platform is defined as a set of modules, platform parameters and individual parameters. Then, the steps of product platform planning are given. First, product modules are identified; second, a strategy of choosing platform parameters is investigated based on considering the influence of customizing individual parameters upon the activities, such as design, die, machining, assembly, service and management, in all product life cycle; third, an optimization model is employed to determine the value of platform parameters whose carriers are the modules. Finally, the proposed methodology is effectively demonstrated in an instance of motorcycle-hydraulic-disk brake platform planning.