@inproceedings{1667adb1e1bc45e0be97736cc7f6c67e,
title = "Variety, postponement and reconfiguration: insights from automotive order fulfilment systems",
abstract = "High product variety is challenging for manufacturing enterprises that strive for operational efficiency whilst also satisfying customer demands for specific product variants. Here we consider innovative and flexible order fulfilment mechanisms that are emerging, particularly in the automotive sector. The concept involves reconfiguring products in the planning pipeline. The potential benefits are illustrated with results from a large scale simulation study conducted with a major automotive manufacturer. The logic of a reconfiguration strategy is compared with a postponement strategy and the similarities and differences identified. The relevance of pipeline fulfilment and reconfiguration strategies in non-automotive sectors is also discussed.",
keywords = "automotive, customisation, order fulfilment, postponement, product variety, reconfiguration",
author = "Bart MacCarthy and Brabazon, {Philip G.}",
year = "2006",
month = apr,
day = "21",
doi = "10.3182/20060517-3-fr-2903.00264",
language = "English",
isbn = "9783902661043",
series = "IFAC Proceedings Volumes",
publisher = "IFAC Secretariat",
number = "3",
pages = "505--510",
booktitle = "12th IFAC Symposium on Information Control Problems in Manufacturing, INCOM 2006, and Associated Industrial Meetings",
address = "Austria",
edition = "PART 1",
}