Meeting the market needs for innovative products in ever-shorter development cycles is a constant challenge for machine manufacturers. Over time, the associated joy of innovation often leads to a considerable increase in the number of individual parts or assemblies to be produced, procured or stored. Administrative effort, inventory levels and tied-up capital therefore continuously increase over time. In addition to these internal consequences, this development also affects the economic efficiency and competitive position of companies. When used correctly, efforts at standardization are the appropriate means to secure the market position of machine manufacturers in the long term and at the same time to allow for the required extent of innovations in an economical manner.

Author: Dr. Ralf Wohlbrück, A.MANNESMANN