IJCAI Workshop on Configuration

Abstract

Assessment of Benefits from Product Configuration Systems: Abstract. This article presents an evaluation of the benefits obtained from applying product configuration systems based on a case study in four industry companies. The evaluation is based on theory and other case studies of the application of product configuration systems and how to assess the benefits to be obtained from applying product configuration systems. The impacts are described according to main objectives for implementing product configuration systems outlined in (Hvam et al, 2008):  Lead time in the specification processes  On-time delivery of the specifications  Ressource consumption for making specifications  Quality of specifications  Optimization of products and services  Other observations The purpose of the study is partly to observe specific im- pacts observed from implementing product configuration sys- tems in industry companies and partly to assess if the objec- tives suggested are appropriate for describing the impact of product configuration systems and identifying other possible objectives. The above-mentioned objectives focus on changes in the performance of the company’s specification processes. The empirical study of the companies also gives an indication of more overall performance indicators affected by the use of product configuration systems e.g. increased sales, decrease in the number of SKU’s, ability to introduce new products, cost reductions in production, purchasing, transport, installation and after sales service induced by improved performance in the specification processes and improved quality of the speci- fications.