The Realization of Mass Customization Using Modularization Method

In the view of the comparison of Mass Customization ( MC) with Mass Production and Customization Production, the objectives of MC are analyzed. It is pointed out that the core objectives of MC are to realize in dividuation customization, low cost, quick response to market demands. The modul arization theory is simply introduced. Based on the characteristics of modular ization, the mechanism of realizing MC with modularization is analyzed. The in dividuation customization can be realized with the different combinations of mod ules. The low cost can be realized with the scale economy and the category econo my of modules. The quick response can be realized with standard modules and its interfaces. So, the modularization is a kind of effective method in realizing MC . The modularization for MC is a systems engineering. With product modularized, production organization and management and manufacturing equipment will be chang ed. In addition, the paper also proposes a Mass Customization production model w hich is based on modularization. This Mass Customization production model is con sisted of modularization of product design, specialization of manufacturing, Vir tual Enterprises based on modularizing enterprises, and modularizing manufacturi ng equipment. The module design for MC, modularizing enterprises, and reconfigur able automation manufacturing equipment are discussed, and it is pointed out tha t they are the important supports for MC.