Implementing Virtual Prototyping for the Production of Customized Products: An SME Study

A virtual prototype which enables the configuration and validation of a customized product is a vital component when handling complexity in mass customization. Developing virtual prototypes for the configuration, validation and production of customized products is, however, often resource consuming and therefore challenging. It can be especially resource-consuming for SMEs as they are smaller than traditional companies that perform mass customization. This study focuses on SMEs and aims to identify and investigate the barriers to implementing virtual prototypes in the design process. It is assumed that a deeper understanding of these barriers will help companies overcome these challenges. On the basis of empirical data from 16 Danish SMEs, this study starts by identifying the barriers to implementing virtual prototypes in the design process. Next, some of these barriers are investigated in detail by means of a case study of a successful implementation of virtual prototypes at a Danish SME. As the case study focuses on a single, successful implementation and investigates only some of the identified barriers in detail, a broader perspective remains a topic for future work.