A survey of front end modularity as an automotive architecture and its ability to deliver value

Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, System Design and Management Program, 2008.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 116-118).The partitioning of a system can and will dictate the creative space for a designer or engineer. This thesis will analyze how using a new automotive architecture known as a Front End Module (FEM) can affect a limited specific subset of stakeholders. Through the use of interviews of subject matter experts, literature research and the use of System Design Management tools, an in depth analysis will be done on the FEM and how it affects the craftsmanship, damageability and assembly attributes. It will be shown how the craftsmanship attribute can be improved through the strategic use of FEM's to allow for a feed-forward system where build data are incorporated into upcoming FEM builds. Even with this advantage, the FEM architecture will not negatively impact the damageability attribute or assembly attribute if the proper design cues and strategies are followed. The FEM will also be intensely analyzed using the tools from the MIT SDM program where it will be evaluated as an architecture itself through the specific and targeted intent and beneficiary breakdown. The analysis will also include an Object/Process Mapping analysis where it will be proposed that the true customer of the automotive front end is not the individual that purchased the vehicle but rather the visual society as a whole. Finally, a managerial approach will be taken for the analysis of the inherent and inevitable supplier relationship that is required with using this FEM architecture. Interviews were conducted with two suppliers of OEM's and their common road blocks will be analyzed such as lack of holistic thinking or failure to understand the role of the system integrator. Proposed next steps will be laid out to address these barriers in order to open the communication channels between the supply base and the Original Equipment Manufacturers.by Vincent R. Mahé.S.M