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The impact of design rework on engineer-to-order lead-time dynamics

Author

Listed:
  • Zhou, Yuxuan
  • Naim, Mohamed
  • Gosling, Jonathan
  • Wang, Xun

Abstract

Design rework is a major challenge in Engineer-to-Order (ETO) systems, often leading to significant cost and time overruns. It arises in two forms: errors or customer design changes identified during the design phase and those discovered later in downstream production. This study aims to investigate the impact of these rework types on ETO lead times and evaluates the effectiveness of the "Think Slow, Act Fast" philosophy in improving system performance. To achieve this, two ETO archetypes are developed to quantify the benefits of this approach and determine the optimal time allocation for the design phase.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhou, Yuxuan & Naim, Mohamed & Gosling, Jonathan & Wang, Xun, 2026. "The impact of design rework on engineer-to-order lead-time dynamics," International Journal of Production Economics, Elsevier, vol. 294(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:proeco:v:294:y:2026:i:c:s0925527325002488
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpe.2025.109763
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    References listed on IDEAS

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