Case study: Individualization of a fully automated coffee machine

People aspire to individuality and look for products that correspond to their needs as much as possible. In the InnoCyFer project the complete process of individualization-starting with the personalization by the customer and ending with the individual manufacturing-is implemented on the basis of a fully automatic coffee machine. This paper focused on the individualization of an existing product based on the given product architecture and developed a system of criteria to evaluate the existing product with reference to possibilities for individualizations. Approaches to develop customized products are shown. Both modular and customized product development, as well as the product creation process of customized products, are discussed. An analysis of the fully automatic coffee machine is outlined and a possibility to evaluate standardized and customized components. Further options for individualization, like add-on modules or the restructuring of the product architecture of the fully automatic coffee machine are discussed.