A Business Typological Framework for the Management of Product Complexity

Abstract

Managing complexity and product variety in product development, manufacturing and sales is a key factor to a company’s success. Nevertheless, a general definition of complexity as well as dimensions for measurement of complexity is not yet at hand. After discussing different approaches for complexity management and measurement and deriving measures and dimensions, we introduce the Hannover House of Complexity as framework for the assessment of complexity management techniques and tools. Since complexity is considered to be company specific, this framework is combined with a business typology. As example, product configuration systems for mass customization businesses are classified and discussed in the House of Complexity.