Modularity technology in manufacturing: Taxonomy and issues

The idea of modularity has gained acceptance because of so-called mass customisation. and the need for shorter development time in manufacturing. Modularity is a general concept, and many engineering problems can be generalised under the umbrella of modularity. Numerous studies have been carried out on modularity-relevant issues, however, systematic classification has not been discussed for modularity in terms of its applications and methodologies for developing modularity in systems. This paper presents a taxonomy on modularity applications, research issues, and design methodologies. It provides a general framework for further systematic development of modularity in systems. General solutions to identified problems which should be studied in future are also discussed.