Citation
The role of product architecture in the manufacturing firm
TL;DR
Product architecture can be integral or modular
This paper defines product architecture and distinguishes integral from modular architectures. Ulrich provides foundational concepts for understanding how component boundaries and interface specifications affect manufacturing, product variety, and organizational structure.
The paper's framework for understanding product architecture trade-offs directly informs the chapter's discussion of platform architecture at Samsung and Toyota.
Key Findings from Ulrich (1995)
- Product architecture can be integral or modular
- Architecture affects manufacturing, variety, and organization
- Component boundaries and interfaces are key design decisions
- Modular architecture enables variety and component substitution