Towards a design process for materials supply systems

Purpose – The objective of this research is to develop a structure for a materials supply systems (MSSs) design process to be used during product development projects (PDPs).Design/methodology/approach – The research is based on a qualitative study at a first tier supplier in the automotive industry. Empirical data were gathered over the course of one year and analysed by means of a previously developed MSSs design model and the company's product development phases.Findings – A structure for a MSSs design process has been developed, based on the following four phases: planning, concept development, system‐level design and detail design.Research limitations/implications – Future research could further develop the structure discussed in this paper and complement it with engineering tools for use during the design process.Practical implications – The results underline the importance of a MSSs design process and emphasise that such a process should cover activities at an early stage of PDPs. Moreover, the nec...

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