Abstract
This article aims to verify factors that can contribute to the use of modularisation in the Brazilian automotive industry through a survey methodology, using principal component analysis and structural equation modelling by partial least squares as techniques. We found three types of factors appearing as drivers or precursors of a formal strategy of modularisation: the use and knowledge of individual non-integrated aspects of modularisation, such as modular architecture; the introduction of competition differentials focusing mainly on cost reduction and increase in flexibility, quality, and dependability; and the existence of a business environment prone to innovation. The main conclusion is that elements of modularisation in the design and the need to meet customers’ requirements have much more influence in stimulating a formal, articulated modularisation strategy than a business environment prone to innovation.
Highlights
Continuous innovation processes allow the creation and maintenance of a competitive advantage in an industry, especially if the innovation processes embrace the entire life cycle of an industrial product [1,2,3,4]
This article aims to verify factors that can contribute to the use of modularisation in the Brazilian automotive industry through a survey methodology, using principal component analysis and structural equation modelling by partial least squares as techniques
We found three types of factors appearing as drivers or precursors of a formal strategy of modularisation: the use and knowledge of individual non-integrated aspects of modularisation, such as modular architecture; the introduction of competition differentials focusing mainly on cost reduction and increase in flexibility, quality, and dependability; and the existence of a business environment prone to innovation
Summary
Continuous innovation processes allow the creation and maintenance of a competitive advantage in an industry, especially if the innovation processes embrace the entire life cycle of an industrial product [1,2,3,4]. Studies emphasise that, when companies search for innovative integrated solutions for products and processes, one of the alternatives is the use of modular architecture in the products [4,19,20]. They point out that modularisation can accelerate product development processes [14,21,22] and increase manufacturability, which means designing products that are easier to manufacture [13,14,18,20]. Modularisation can be helpful in meeting markets with characteristics of mass customisation [23,24,25,26]
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