Modularity Canvas – A Framework for Visualizing Potentials of Service Modularity

Modularity Canvas – A Framework for Visualizing Potentials of Service Modularity

Service modularity has been proposed as a possible solution to the dilemma between the customer-driven thirst for individualization and the standardization ambitions of service providers. However, current modularization methods that intend to support the corresponding transformation process remain mostly on a conceptual level with little real-life application. Therefore, we develop the Modularity Canvas – a generic framework for the structured information capturing and identification of potentials for advancing towards a modular service architecture. The artifact is developed following the Design Science Research Methodology. The results include the artifact itself and first insights from five demonstration workshops at industrial service providers from contract logistics, wind energy and automotive engineering sectors. The contribution of the paper lies in the deeper understanding of what dimensions need to be considered when preparing service providers for their move towards a modular service architecture.