Strategisk placering av variantspridningspunkter : Utveckling och applicering av ett praktiskt förhållningsätt på Husqvarna AB

Sammanfattning: Purpose – The purpose of the study is to develop a practical guide for strategic positioning of variant proliferation point within manufacturing companies. In order to achieve the study's purpose, two research questions are formulated:  • What factors affect the position of a variant proliferation point?• How should influencing factors be handled when positioning a variant  proliferation point?  Method – The study began with an extensive problem formulation phase where knowledge of the variant proliferation point was gathered. The overall design applied is case study. This was because a high degree of detail was sought. This was followed up by the creation of a theoretical framework through literature studies. Furthermore, analytical conceptual research was applied with the aim of logically developing and relating significant factors. This pattern generated from the literature was compared with the case company and its context. Empirical data were gathered through interviews, observations, and document studies. Comparison of literature and empirical data from the case company was further analysed through pattern matching. Triangulation has been used throughout when this has been possible. This is to achieve an increased quality with a focus on transparency, generalizability and transferability.  Findings – The results answering the first research question indicate which factors are important for the location of the variant proliferation point. Factors from the literature are compared with factors from the case company. Patterns correspond to a large extent, but context-specific factors are also identified and discussed. Within the framework of the answer to the study's second research question, the impact of the application on Husqvarna AB is investigated. Calculations are performed with a focus on lead time and tied up capital. An overview of the company's flow is carried out with a focus on convergence and divergence phases. Furthermore, a summary is provided of benefits that are made possible in a future state with discussion for goal conflicts. Finally, the approach that the study aims to generate is presented.  Implications – The empirical contribution to the study is the identification of which influencing factors influence and how these as a work package can be used to obtain an approach as an aid in a strategic placement of variant proliferation point. By creating a single starting point when placing a variant proliferation point, a process is initiated where a standardized approach can be further developed and applied in practice. This can be a contributing factor in companies to a greater extent implementing strategic trade-offs in the area successfully. The approach creates opportunities to use their resources more effectively towards overall goals. More efficient use of resources creates better profitability in the form of less waste and unnecessary handling of elements that are not value-creating for the customer. Increased profitability also provides the opportunities to maintain production in Sweden, which creates increased social sustainability.  Limitations– The limitation of the study is that it was carried out as a case study where the only application was carried out on a case company. By transferring and using the approach to several companies, it can be strengthened and validated.  Keywords –Variants, Variant handling, Production strategy, Production efficiency, Variant proliferation point.