A system level product configurator for engineer-to-order supply chains

• System level configuration is a common need for engineering businesses.
• Engineer to order processes and incomplete configurations present challenges.
• A prototype system for system level configuration management is presented.

Supply chains in construction, infrastructure building, ship building, factory design and conveyor systems are operating in an engineer-to-order type of environment. Companies in these project-based businesses have special requirements for product configuration. Products have configuration dependencies with each other and there are system level configuration dependencies between several products. Incomplete product configuration items that are subject to change or require engineering work prior to production can occur. This paper introduces the requirements for system level configuration and proposes a prototype solution for ship projects and engine-room related supply chains.