Abstract
With the advent of new technologies, one successful case of technological transition is Fanuc Ltd., a company that successfully introduced Intel MPUs (Microprocessor Units) to NC (Numerical Control) machines in 1975 and has since continued to achieve sustained growth. This adoption of MPU caused a change in NC architecture. Through an in-depth case study of Fanuc, we show how adopting MPU to an NC system destroys the usefulness of accumulated hard-wired architectural knowledge in that firm due to changes in architecture. We also show how Fanuc developed the new architectural knowledge necessary for MPU-based soft-wired NC systems. This study is not an analysis of the causes of failure, but rather focuses on the aspects of successful management of architectural change. By analyzing and studying a successful case, we can gain valuable insights into managing architectural knowledge.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 1093-1112 |
Number of pages | 20 |
Journal | International Journal of Innovation Management |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2011 Oct |
Keywords
- NC machine tool
- Product architecture
- architecture change
- technological transition
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Business and International Management
- Strategy and Management
- Management of Technology and Innovation