Exploratory analysis of modularization strategy based on the theory of constraints thinking process

The search for competitiveness has led companies to increase the variety of products on offer in their portfolios with the aim of broadening their consumer market. However, there is a trade-off between increasing product variety and operational performance. Thus, the aim of this paper is to analyze the critical root causes that can prevent manufacturing companies from obtaining sustainable growth, by showing how modularization strategy can contribute in this area. In order to achieve the proposed objective, a bibliographical review was carried out for the topic, and an effect–cause–effect analysis was subsequently structured using the theory of constraints thinking process. From the main results, it was possible to identify that, besides the use of modularization strategy, supplier participation in the product development process needs to be considered, as well as defining constraints in the flow of production and postponing the definition of final products. Another contribution from the article is it presents an integrated effect–cause–effect analysis that lays out the contributions from modularization strategy. Adopting the strategy can contribute toward manufacturing companies obtaining sustainable growth. © Global Institute of Flexible Systems Management 2017.