Production System Design for Multiple Brands

Production systems enabling both cost efficiency and flexibility in terms of high product variation are explored. The study follows an explorative longitudinal field study approach. The database consists of three large global corporations, each consisting of several companies producing household appliances, cars, and trucks but also other products. An important denominator for the production system design is flow structures. Important dependent factors come from brand distinction, architectural characteristics, technology levels, supplier competence, process choice, process flow patterns, lay-outs, worker skills, integration of distribution channels, after sales service and degree of servitization. Three production system design principles called VXY emerge.