The Viable Smart Product Model: Designing Products that Undergo Disruptive Transformations

Abstract

Smart, interconnected products are transforming the industry. Construction is a paradigmatic example of digital transformation incorporating systems to improve safety and productivity. This research uses the lens of the Viable System Model (VSM) to design smart products that adhere to the organization strategy in disruptive transformations. Our design science research involving a construction group defines the necessary and sufficient conditions for the smart system cohesion and endurance in changing environments. For theory, we propose a product-level adoption of VSM. For practice, we assist managers in creating viable smart products for their industry 4.0 strategy.

Keywords:

• Viable system model
• construction
• viable smart product model
• smart system
• smart product
• Industry 4.0