Strategic Implications of Simple versus Complex Products

Table 43 illustrates some of the differences and the strategic implications confronting product management. It characterizes products along a spectrum from simple to complex. The product categories (Standard Product or Components, Assemblies, Custom, Engineered) are generalities suggesting differences in number of parts, design, production requirements, and so forth, and the examples (paints, varnishes, lift truck parts, pre-fab, robot controlled) are intended to typify—not specify—various products in each category.

Table 43. Simple versus Complex Products

Unit Price and Size—Since costs ...

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