Eppendorf: Developing products faster
In order to serve different application areas in medical technology more efficiently,
Modular construction kits: Flexibility and efficiency through modular systems
Definition
What are modular construction kits?
Modular construction kits are an important key to mastering growing product diversity while maintaining efficiency. They combine structured product development with strategic market adaptation – and create the basis for reuse, digitalization, and scaling.
A modular construction kit is more than the sum of its parts. It consists of a
- modular product architecture,
- defined variants and
- characteristics of components and modules,
- and the configuration rules that combine them in a meaningful way.
The result is a system that allows a large number of customer-specific products to be automatically derived from a small number of building blocks.
This structure forms the basis for configuration and CPQ (Configure-Price-Quote), enables the digitalization of order processing and product development, and allows for significant economies of scale. The advantages are obvious:
- Shorter delivery times
- Lower storage costs
- Greater predictability and
- Cost-effective series production even for small batch sizes
All this makes modular construction kits a key tool in modern product development strategies.
Benefits
Overview of the advantages of modular systems
The modular principle as a success factor: The modular principle allows complex product ranges to be structured while maintaining market flexibility. It offers a balance between technical consolidation and customer-oriented customization. Modular systems are therefore not an end in themselves, but a lever for sustainable value creation: economical, scalable, and future-proof.
Lower development costs, optimized inventories, reduced variant maintenance
Order-specific module combinations enable rapid response to requirements
Changes remain limited to individual modules – risks are reduced and development cycles are shortened
Reuse, standardization, and systematic variant construction are structurally anchored
Assembly processes can be planned and carried out efficiently
Separation of functions and their physical implementation
Proven in medical technology, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, logistics, and many other industries
Process
Modular construction kit—how it works
A suitable modular system is not based on intuition, but on sound analysis and systematic development.
1
Modular focus and goals
2
Modular product architecture
3
Features & configuration rules
4
Module cut along the supply chain
5
Future market scenarios
6
Costs, ROI, CO₂, and quantities
7
Action strategies
Our USP
Analysis based on real order data
Odego supports product development teams throughout all relevant phases – from initial analysis to implementation in day-to-day business. Together with the teams, the relevant content for modular development is tailored precisely to the progress of the project. Our experienced team guides you through the necessary steps, introduces best practices, and keeps the project on track. The Cquenz tool provides structured support for the entire process. All participants have access to the current status, variant rules, architecture decisions, and evaluation results at all times. This creates a common understanding, accelerates decisions, and increases transparency – across departmental boundaries.
Industry Cases
Modular systems in use: Practical examples
These examples of modular systems in practice show how standardization and configurability can generate economic benefits without compromising the necessary product differentiation.
In this industry, modular systems reduce manual effort in order processing. Structured configuration and integration into digital processes make it possible to manage the wide variety of variants while still offering a high degree of customer customization.
Here, a modular design ensures scalability of production volumes. The reuse of technical assemblies simplifies validation and ensures cost certainty during market expansion.
The use of modular construction kits results in clear economies of scale and improved planning. This has a positive effect on delivery times, inventory levels, and investment planning.
Read more industry cases
Jungheinrich: Data-based product management for the rollout of lithium-ion technology
From the first electrically powered forklift truck in 1953 to the first
SMB: Forecasting with batch size 1
The name SMB stands for special plant engineering with a system and
Baader: Modular product system in mechanical engineering – focus instead of variety
The more volatile the market, the more important the focus. Product modules
FAQ
The modular principle is based on combining predefined modules to create customized products. Clear rules and modular product architecture result in flexibility and high efficiency.
Modular systems are found in industries such as mechanical engineering, medical technology, packaging technology, pharmaceuticals, electrical engineering, logistics, and the defense industry—anywhere where variety must meet efficiency.
A construction kit is the concrete structure of a product with modules and rules. The construction kit system describes the overarching methodology, processes, and tools for use in the organization.
Volume effects, lower development costs, optimized assembly, and reduced variant maintenance allow resources to be used more efficiently—with positive effects on costs, time-to-market, and carbon footprint.