Customized Product Development Supported by Integrated Information

Information systems are key enablers for the integration and reliable management of the product development process. Fast, robust, and cost-efficient product adaptation is especially important in one-of-a-kind production. This paper presents an implementation of information supported tools of the product development (PD) design process for large power transformers. One-of-a-kind production is specific, as each product must be customized, wherefore a robust design process well supported by information technologies (IT) plays a key role in creating a digital twin and the product's final value. Goal of this research was to develop the product information model and smart supporting tools for customization and integrate them into the design process. Based on a systematic analysis of the sample company, this paper proposes a model for the complete renewal of information systems and of working methodology, where reorganization is demonstrated in an increase of overall effectiveness. The results clearly show a considerable drop in engineering changes, increased productivity and improved business competitiveness. The proposed framework is generalized, which makes it directly applicable in similar business environments and thus helpful for establishing the best-practice guidelines for promoting competitiveness in one-of-a-kind PD processes.