Improving Value Proposition by Structuring Product Information Flow

Abstract: This thesis investigates the impact management of product information has on the well-studied concepts of value propositions and business model innovation. Previously, it was not sufficiently documented how this type of information influences these concepts. As the pressure for digitalizing increases and traditional industries risk getting overthrown, understanding the factors affecting a company’s value proposition is more important than ever. To do this, this thesis outlines what product information is, for which stakeholders it matters, and during which phases in a product's lifecycle it has significance. Further, it gives four real-life examples of current use states (“as-is”) at a manufacturer of industrial motors - the case company. These examples are then analyzed and developed into proposed states (“to-be”) based on the findings from live observationat the factory, interviews with relevant stakeholders, and internal documents from the case company. Two main conclusions can be drawn based on the analysis performed on the real-lifeexamples. Firstly, it is found that well-managed product data have the ability to positively impact the value proposition. Secondly, it is found that it is too complex to determine which product information various stakeholders should have access to. It is more manageable to make all product data available to all stakeholders, via a data structure that minimizes the learning curve for users. The two conclusions have several practical and theoretical implications that are also discussed in detail. Finally, this thesis contributes to the field of industrial management by specifically outlining how product information affects value proposition, which in turn influences business models.