An effective mass customization system requires efficient communication and accurate documentation by team members. Step 1 requires development of a high level SOW document. The SOW includes commercial objectives, technical objectives, and a list of deliverables. At this time, functional requirements of the customer are also considered. Building blocks are developed during Step 2.
Building blocks are subdivisions of complex systems and are defined by the core team.
Typical challenges encountered during this step are product line design, product operation, safety, and commercial issues. Customer requirements are defined and documented during the building blocks stage. Position papers developed during the building blocks step summarize core team decisions by analyzing design issues and customer requirements. During Step 3, the product line is structured into a menu of required features and optional features. Required features are components needed to meet the customer's functions.