Fundamentals of configuration methodology: Aligning customer requirements into design philosophy

The objective of this paper is to introduce a methodological approach with the view to elaborate the concept of configuration process applicable to develop customised product. This preliminary configuration process will lead to offer true customer value and achieve superior competitive advantage. In this research, an information and communication technologybased configuration system is presented that might contribute to reduce product development lead time and faster sales-delivery process. It is believed that the illustrated configuration framework will bridge the gap between the manufacturers and customers to develop customer-satisfied product variants that consequently fulfil business target in terms of earning more revenues. The configuration framework as outlines in this research contributes to both product design and manufacturing perspectives and supports manufacturing firms for achieving product customisation strategy in upstream and downstream of developmental phases. The proposed framework is also validated by implementing the concept within a case company's demo configuration system. This paper is concluded after defining the research limitations and identifying future research potentials.