Title: The influence of product complexity on order handling process

Authors: Hanna Kropsu-Vehkapera, Harri Haapasalo, Suvi Lokkinen, Kongkiti Phusavat

Addresses: Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 4610, 90014 University of Oulu, Finland. ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 4610, 90014 University of Oulu, Finland. ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, P.O. Box 4610, 90014 University of Oulu, Finland. ' Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand

Abstract: This case study describes how product complexity is affecting order handling process performance in a high tech company. Main factors of product complexity can be defined as: technological and single product complexity; product proliferation by volume and diversity; and presenting product data in information systems. The study expresses what kind of problems aforementioned complexity and poor product data handling in information systems creates to order handling process. Product decisions should always cover wider order-delivery affect analysis to avoid complexity in operative processes. This study also highlights the importance of valid product data as a source of efficient operations.

Keywords: product complexity; order handling; handling processes; product lifecycle management; PLM; product data; information systems; high tech companies; high technology; technological complexity; single products; product proliferation; product volume; product diversity; data handling; order-delivery analysis; operative processes; telecommunications industry; innovation; learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2011.041793

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2011 Vol.10 No.2, pp.123 - 143

Published online: 26 Nov 2014 *

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