Abstract:

For several years, the conflict between the two fields of standardization and individualization has been playing an increasingly important role which will probably continue to gain importance in the future (Buchmüller et al., 2017).

For this reason, the method of modularization is going to play an increasingly important role in the industrial sector as well.

Thus, the aim of this research is reviewing the reasons which support the implementation of the modularization strategy. Besides extensive literature research, 100 questionnaires have been taken into consideration which have been completed by 60 professional buyers, 20 persons from the strategy department and 20 persons working in the field of modularization. Furthermore, 50 experts on modularization and professional buyers have been interviewed.  

As a result, in both strands of research, cost pressure, complexity and organizational effort were stated as the three most important reasons for the implementation of a modularization strategy. The authors therefore emphasize the findings from literature research. Moreover, the two surveys highlight that the topic of modularization and the modularization strategy have gained more and more importance during the last five years. This means that applied science provides additional input and results for the business analyses to come.