Product Platform Maintenance in Industrialized Housebuilding: Insights from a Swedish Case Study

Abstract

Industrialized housebuilding (IHB) integrates various constructs to meet customer demands through adaptable product solutions and efficient production processes. Although product platforms are increasingly common in IHB, research addressing platform maintenance remains limited. This study explored the maintenance of strategic product platforms within IHB, focusing on a Swedish company. The study applied the Design Research Methodology (DRM) framework, where this study is positioned in Descriptive Study I. Three data sets were collected to describe the current state, through analysis of design assets, platform maintenance practices, and two development projects. One case, from production, concerned roof hatches, and one case, originating in market demand, investigated window blocks. Data collection included semi-structured interviews and a series of workshops in collaboration with the design department. The results indicate key issues in platform maintenance, including the impact of new requirements on existing systems. Three central platform maintenance challenges were identified: fragmented knowledge management, poor traceability and reuse of special solutions, and difficulties transferring solutions across product lines. The findings from the development projects further demonstrate that alignment between design and production is a critical capability for platform maintenance in IHB.