2134/2167
Russell Marshall
Russell
Marshall
Paul Leaney
Paul
Leaney
Holonic product design: a process for modular product realisation
Loughborough University
2006
untagged
Mechanical Engineering not elsewhere classified
Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing
2006-06-13 11:42:06
Journal contribution
https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articles/journal_contribution/Holonic_product_design_a_process_for_modular_product_realisation/9349541
This paper introduces a fresh perspective on product modularisation and proposes a process for
modular product realisation called Holonic Product Design. The holon has recently been adopted from Arthur
Koestler’s work to represent subsystem entities within manufacturing systems and the enterprise chain. In
addition, it has been embraced as a philosophy for change that attempts to fashion modern manufacturing
businesses and manufacturing activity. This paper demonstrates the holon as being equally valid as an
approach to product development. Through research at a number of UK companies Holonic Product Design
(HPD) is developed and presented as a structured approach to product realisation. Addressing a total view
through systems engineering, HPD provides an accessible and customisable modular product development
workbook. The efficacy of the new approach is demonstrated through the initial results from a HPD case study.
Further work remains in refining the integration of HPD elements and thoroughly testing the approach through
a full new product development process.