Reliability vs. Resource Utilization: Different strategies in Platform-based Manufacturing

Platform-based manufacturing, as a relatively new but more and more popular concept, is clearly changing the traditional ways of production. However, the requirements of the customers did not change: one of the most important KPIs is still delivery time accuracy. The paper investigates the concept of platform-based manufacturing from the perspective of different manufacturer strategies. It explores when it is beneficial to prioritize reliability by reserving resources to handle unforeseen events that may cause delivery delays. Additionally, it examines the circumstances that favor companies focused on maximizing machine hours (while placing less emphasis on delivery accuracy and reliability). In the paper, the performance of the companies themselves is in focus, and after introducing a platform-based collaboration structure, different scenarios are tested and evaluated using agent-based simulation. The main novelty of the research is that the strategies for companies working through a platform have not been examined so far, especially focusing on their reliability and its effects. In addition, papers investigating platform-based manufacturing from other perspectives often neglect capacity constraints of the companies, which is also included here.