Hybrid simulation modelling as a supporting tool for sustainable product service systems: a critical analysis

Manufacturing companies are increasingly shifting their value proposition from a product-centric perspective to Product-Service-System (PSS). This evolution allows companies to improve the customisation of their offer and to contribute to reduce material flows and consumption, thus enhancing sustainability. However, when companies introduce PSS offers, they have to face higher complexity and dynamism, as customer behaviours, process requirements and sustainability assessment must be considered during the design and the development of the new solutions. In this paper, after the identification of the main PSS dynamic features, the authors argue that business process simulation (BPS) could represent an effective tool to cope with the dynamics and the complexity entailed in a sustainable PSS. This paper analyses and compares existing BPS approaches identifying the hybrid simulation (HS) modelling as a promising approach. In fact, according to the critical PSS features, HS allows grasping PSS features and integrating customer, company and environmental sustainability perspectives into the model, thus, supporting effective PSS design and assessment. These findings have been validated in a test case where a hybrid model (integrating Discrete Event Simulation with Agent-Based Modelling) has been compared against a pure DES model. The results highlight the advantages of the hybrid modelling approach with respect to DES in supporting the engineering of a sustainable, customer-oriented PSS provision process.     

Developing a product–service system through a productisation strategy: a case from the 3PL industry

A Product–Service System (PSS) is created by combing a tangible product and an intangible service into one integrated offering. Thus, a PSS can be achieved by a production company adding intangible services to a product using a servitisation strategy or by a service company adding a tangible product to a service by means of a productisation strategy. The focus of this paper is on the latter. Our work demonstrates a significant gap in the literature in this area. To address this, we adapt an existing PSS conceptual framework as a means to identify the driving and restraining forces considered by a service company as it explored the possibility of pursuing a PSS productisation strategy. The conceptual framework is applied in an exploratory case study with a 3PL service provider. Application of the framework reveals new driving and restraining forces not previously discussed in the literature. Furthermore, it allows a preliminary quantification of the driving and restraining forces using a force field analysis approach. Our work contributes towards the expansion of the empirical knowledge base in the area of PSS.     

Outsourcing practices in automotive supply networks: an exploratory study of full service vehicle suppliers

Most automotive companies outsource the design, manufacturing and assembly of some complete cars to independent suppliers or full service vehicle companies (FSVs). FSVs represent a relatively unexplored form of outsourcing which combines joint efforts in developing a modular product with the externalisation of specific niche manufacturing processes. On the basis of comparative cases and of qualitative information collected within three FSVs and three OEMs, this study aims to investigate the associated advantages and risks for FSVs, commonalities/differences from the practices of outsourcing to component/module specialists that can be found in other industries and why and for what kind of products FSVs can be appropriate in automotive supply networks. The study contributes to the debate on outsourcing in the automotive industry by providing an original interpretation on why FSVs have recently seen a shakeout with some growing whilst others have faltered.     

Additive layered manufacturing: sectors of industrial application shown through case studies

In modern industry, mass production has migrated to third world countries. To be competitive, European companies are forced to rapidly switch towards manufacturing of short series of customised products with added value. In European industry, a great effort has been made in order to customise products and give them an added value by developing new fabrication technologies. Additive layered manufacturing (ALM), also known as rapid manufacturing (RM), is a powerful tool that offers the necessary competitiveness to European companies. ALM comprises the use of layer-by-layer manufacturing in order to build a part by addition of material. Fabrication is performed directly from the 3D CAD model, which is sliced into layers that are printed one upon the other. Also known as free form fabrication, additive fabrication ‘unlocks’ design potential since part design obeys functionality, pushing the limits of manufacturability. In this paper, the authors review ALM technologies and the state-of-the-art of ALM applications in tooling, biomedicine and lightweight structures for the automotive and aerospace sectors. The authors present their experience in industrial application of additive fabrication through various industrial technology transfer projects made to transfer ALM technology to SMEs. Various case studies are presented and the achieved benefits of ALM are shown.     

Product service system transition method: building firm’s core competence of enterprise

Product service system (PSS), applicable in numerous fields, is an innovative business model integrating products, services, and supporting infrastructure. It has been known as a promising approach to realise sustainable development of both enterprises and environment. However, only a few studies were addressed to support the PSS transition of enterprises. Thus the aim of this study is to develop a PSS transition methodology, comprising a quantitative PSS classification framework and transformation procedures. In order to classify PSS typology, rough set theory is applied, and as a result, a set of classification rules is derived from the analysis of 40 contemporary PSS service providers based on their attributes and the decision rules. In addition, this study also proposes a PSS transformation process that considers firms’ core competencies and current PSS types. Moreover, the result also demonstrates the discovery of a new PSS type, platform-oriented PSS. The discovery and definition of this new type extend the current PSS typology. Finally, the proposed transition methodology is applied to an automotive company as a case study, illustrating the advantages and possibilities of this research.     

PSS modularisation: a customer-driven integrated approach

The shift from product ownership to integrated solutions (Product-Service Systems (PSSs)) is expected to lead to a higher customer satisfaction in many cases compared to providing products and services separately. PSS providers are required to add more value to the products they offer, as well as to augment and diversify the services related to these products. To deal with this complex task, this paper proposes a practical methodology to support manufacturers in designing services related to the proper functioning of their products fulfilling customers’ needs and expectations. This approach is based on the synergic use of Quality Function Deployment for PSS (QFDforPSS), Axiomatic Design (AD) and the service blueprint tools, providing a correlation between the customers’ expectations, the PSS components and the PSS modules. The methodology was verified by means of a service modularisation for PSS at a company operating in the biomedical sector. While the proposed approach needs to be validated through further studies in different contexts, its positive results in reducing both the risk of overdesigning and the possibility of creating design conflicts can contribute practically to the scientific knowledge on the development of integrated solutions.     

Methodologies for rapid and effective response to requests for quotation (RFQs)

The ability to respond quickly and effectively to requests for quotation (RFQs) from customers can be a significant source of competitive advantage to manufacturing companies. This paper presents a new paradigm for processing RFQs and describes methodologies for rapid and accurate estimation of manufacturing cost for modified standard products and custom-made products. Insights gained through industry collaboration on the development of rapid cost estimation systems are also discussed. The work presented in this paper complements ongoing efforts by government and industry to establish the infrastructure and enabling technologies for electronic commerce, and can therefore contribute to significant gains in supply chain agility.     

A failure analysis method for designing highly reliable product-service systems

Recently, product-service systems (PSSs), which create value by integrating a physical product and a service, have been attracting attention. In PSSs, it is critical for a provider to offer highly reliable products and services. To do so, the provider needs to effectively and efficiently detect possible failures, and then, take adequate measures against them in the conceptual design stage. However, in current studies on product failure analysis, service aspects are not covered in analyzing failure causes and developing measures. On the other hand, product aspects are hardly considered in existing methods of service failure analysis. To fill the gap, this paper proposes a method for failure analysis in PSS design called PSS failure mode and effect analysis (PSS FMEA). Especially, this paper extends the framework of FMEA, and then, a procedure for PSS FMEA is introduced so that designers can analyze failures and develop measures in consideration of both product and service aspects. Furthermore, the proposed method supports designers in finding new business opportunities. The proposed method was applied to a real offering of products and services by a cleaning machine provider and found effective.     

基于模糊DSM的产品服务系统流程模块化设计

产品服务系统(Product-service System,PSS)是制造企业为满足顾客价值需求,提供的产品和服务集成的解决方案,主要分为三种类型。面向结果的PSS是一种典型类型,其本质上可以看作是一个特殊的服务。为了对其进行有效配置,需要研究基于流程的模块化开发方法。设计结构矩阵(Design Structure Matrix,DSM)是对流程进行模块划分的常用工具,然而传统的DSM是一个二元布尔矩阵,只能反映元素之间是否存在依赖关系。模糊设计结构矩阵(Fuzzy Design Structure Matrix,FDSM)可以对元素之间的依赖关系进行定量表示。权重有向图用来表示流程活动间的依赖关系,并映射到FDSM中,然后用传递闭包法获得模糊等价矩阵。在选取适当的阈值后,根据得出的截矩阵对相应的流程活动进行聚类实现模块划分。最后,以空调温度服务的模块化设计为例,验证了所提方法的有效性。     

The potential for high strength steels in the U.S. automotive industry

The rapidly developing materials technology of high strength steels (HSS) is offering significant competition to the alternate materials for weight reduction (plastics, aluminium alloys) in the automobile industry. The dynamic HSS field offers a range of products tailored for various applications, with constant evolvement of new grades of steel to meet developing needs. The steels can be divided into three broad classifications, based on the strengthening mechanisms. The metallurgy of these different classes is described. The factors involved in selecting HSS for automotive applications are described, and their properties relative to these applications are delineated. It is concluded that HSS offer a broad spectrum of opportunities for significant weight reduction in automobiles.     

基于PSS理念与技术进化理论的工业产品包装设计研究

目的 为了解决工业产品领域包装用量大、浪费严重以及回收困难等问题,引入产品服务系统设计理念与技术进化理论.方法 针对产品包装现状,通过商业产品包装与工业产品包装的对比分析,得出工业产品包装改进设计的必要性与可行性.而产品服务系统设计的有效实施需要一定的理论与技术支撑,引入TRIZ技术进化理论作为产品服务系统的支撑工具,将可持续理念以实践方式应用于工业产品包装领域.结论 通过技术进化理论与PSS理念的结合应用,有效缓解了工业产品包装浪费严重、回收困难等问题,扩展了产品服务系统设计应用范畴,技术进化理论的应用也为PSS带来了新的发展方向.最后,以信息通讯设备企业包装为例,对产品服务系统与技术进化理论结合应用进行了验证.     

Cost estimation of a service family based on modularity

Companies are competing to offer high varieties of customised services on top of customised products to increase revenues and customer satisfaction. By adopting product family design methodologies, new concepts such as service families and service platforms are adopted in the service sectors. Despite that, increasing diversity in service offerings induces complexity and difficulty in service cost estimation. This research presents a service family cost estimation methodology that is based on service modularity and activity based costing (ABC). A service family is identified by selecting a set of similar services. Subsequently, activities of each service are identified with an activity diagram. The service family is then decomposed into functional and physical elements, where service modules are identified. Service activities are then mapped into relevant service modules using k-mean clustering algorithms, and activities of each service module are segregated into common and specific services using un-weighted pair group method with arithmetic mean. Finally, modified two-stage ABC methodology is applied to estimate the costs for a service family. To demonstrate the applicability of the proposed methodology, a case study is carried out to estimate the cost for a family of aircraft engines.     

Product service systems,after-sales service and new product development

After-sales service is a critical element in the successful marketing of many products. Capital goods, for example, manufacturing equipment, require after-sales service such as maintenance and repair in order for customers to get the full value from them. Some manufacturers have started to offer customers an integrated product and service, termed a product-service system in the academic literature. However, in order to deliver such integrated offerings, a different approach to new product development (NPD) is required. This is because the product design influences after-sales service requirements, and so this needs to be considered during NPD. However, researchers have largely ignored the relationship between NPD and service. To address this gap, six in-depth case studies were conducted at leading companies that offer a combined product-service offering, to identify how service requirements are typically evaluated at the design stage. The results show that at companies where after-sales is an important element of the business, service requirements are systematically evaluated during NPD through the involvement of after-sales personnel and the use of field service data to set design goals.     

Internal levers for servitization: How product-oriented manufacturers can upscale product-service systems

Manufacturing companies that venture into servitisation can experience difficulties when upscaling product-service systems (PSS) for further growth. This research study has two main objectives: first, to develop insight into the internal levers to increase firms’ servitisation capacity, and second, to apply a new methodology to support companies in upscaling PSS. For these purposes, we conduct an exploratory research study of eight manufacturing companies, consisting of both multiple-case and participatory action research methods. We find that manufacturers often experience challenges when either designing or rolling out PSS, which varies based on the company’s chosen strategy. Additionally, they can be confronted with an organisational logic that hinders PSS upscaling efforts. This research offers guidance to practitioners facing internal barriers for servitisation, providing a new method to explore, prioritise and work out concrete PSS-enhancing projects.     

Design through making: crafts knowledge as facilitator to collaborative new product development

Collaboration between manufacturers and craft makers is believed by many crafts theorists to offer new originality, insight and specialist expertise to design for production. In practice, however, there exists a discrepancy between this ideal and a reality of unreconcilable cultural and methodological differences. This paper documents and discusses such a collaboration as an example of best practice with implications for managers, educators, designers and craft makers. It identifies a new role for craft makers with the appropriate knowledge and experience to act as bridges within companies, facilitating the adoption of design methodologies appropriate to changing priorities in the manufacturing industries.     

An integrated product service system modelling methodology with a case study of clothing industry

Product-service system (PSS) is a business model designed to help enterprises achieve servitisation. PSS not only considers service-oriented logic to increase product value but also supports enterprises with waste reduction. An increasing number of studies have emphasised PSS development. However, much of the literature remains focused on separate development phases, such as idea generation or a specific product or industry application. An integrative system modelling methodology designed to help companies formulate a complete scenario is absent. This study provides a methodology for developing a systematic and complete PSS strategy. It combines failure modes and effects and importance-performance analysis to identify potential customer needs. A service-product development matrix and a product-service life cycle analysis are developed. Following the service concepts generation, grey relational analysis and scenario analysis are utilised to evaluate the alternatives. A case study involving the clothing industry was conducted to test the proposed approach. Results indicate the methodology can help service providers identify existing problems and develop service alternatives systematically. These alternatives can then be evaluated and the scenario which achieves the highest profitability, is the most environmental friendly, and is the most social friendly can be identified.     

Proposition of a model for measuring adherence to lean practices: applied to Turkish automotive part suppliers

The objective of this study is to develop a model for measuring adherence to lean practices for automotive part suppliers and to assess the relationship between the firm performance and the adoption of lean principles. This model has been developed by utilising the lean practices defined in the literature. The proposed model has been successfully applied to a large number of automotive part suppliers, and has been tested for its statistical validity. To test the proposed model, data were obtained from 207 automotive part suppliers by using the Computer-aided Telephone Interview method. Validity and reliability tests of the developed model of leanness are realised through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Correlation analyses are used to examine the relationships between the lean applications and company performance and size. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) is applied to reveal whether there are differences in the use of lean techniques across different company categories. The study shows that, in general, Turkish automotive part suppliers are performing their internal production in compliance with the lean manufacturing principles. Furthermore, it is found that there is a significant relationship between adaptation of lean principles by the supplier firms and their performance. The proposed model of leanness can be used by companies in the automotive industry to measure their leanness levels.     

以驾驶员为导向的汽车人机界面识别系统研究

随着大数据、移动互联网、现代人工智能等先进技术在汽车运输管理领域的创新发展和广泛应用,车身内部空间、人机交互界面、操作处理方式和交互处理正在不断发生改革。目的 为了探索研究现阶段智能汽车的发展趋势,深入了解汽车界面识别系统的模式和技术进步,推动人工智能领域的进一步发展,系统分析了当前市场背景下,智能驾驶汽车人机界面识别系统多模式的体现形式。方法 从人机交互的角度出发,以BMW汽车案例为主,通过以驾驶员为导向,进行智能汽车仪式感设计研究分析,重点阐述蓝牙技术、汽车界面显示设备、数字智能化、智能控制系统、共享技术、情感交互六个领域在驾驶系统的现状及未来的发展趋势,剖析互联网时代现阶段智能汽车统筹发展,深入研究汽车界面识别系统在人机领域的实际应用。结果 结合学术界和汽车产业市场,分析智能汽车界面识别系统的能力和技术的重要性,以及在未来一段时间内智能汽车发展的趋势。结论 指出提升汽车识别界面的技术水平是当前国内智能汽车厂商和信息技术服务公司的发展重点,提升汽车内饰的用户体验以激发消费潜力,拓宽消费市场是未来汽车人机交互的发展重点。     

Is 3D Printing of Pharmaceuticals a Disruptor or Enabler?

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a fast‐growing manufacturing approach that comes with the promise of delivering personalized medicine to treat individual patients. However, large‐scale commercial applications in the pharmaceutical industry have been limited. Here, some of the challenges are discussed along with some pharmaceutical products where AM has the potential to make a tangible impact and pave the way for more rapid adoption are highlighted.