Integrated Framework for variety and customisation management

This paper presents an Integrated Framework for variety and customisation management, it has been developed as part of the REMPLANET project. The framework is based around a set of eleven networks representing different levels of customisation. These networks include the manufacturers, suppliers, customers and other third parties involved in the design, production and delivery of the products. The framework describes the ideal network structure for each of these network types, strategic and operational considerations, collaborative initiatives that are needed for the network to function effectively and collaborative initiatives that are needed to aid efficiency in the network. The framework can also be used to help companies move from one network type to another in terms of increasing their customisation level or making manufacturing processes around customisation more efficient. This paper provides an overview of the framework and a case study based on the framework.