A new method for simulation modelling of leaner remanufacturing in PaaS settings

Abstract

The application of simulation technologies (STs) in the industry 4.0 paradigm can accelerate the implementation of the circular economy (CE) in companies by faster modeling and optimization of value retention processes (VRPs), such as remanufacturing or refurbishment. In business practices, the efficiency of the collection of used products and their recovery for a new or extended lifecycle is influenced by a high level of uncertainty. The product-as-a-service (PaaS) model might change the boundary conditions, which will decisively influence the operational factors such as time for a disassembly, and material recovery rate. The state-of-the-art in commercial simulation software (e.g., FlexSim, Simio, Arena) is based on the object-oriented approach, which requires that users must build the model themselves from a set of objects (object libraries), which is effective for a traditional linear process but is less suitable for multiple flow of a product between PaaS contracts. Remanufacturing in PaaS for consumer markets is currently a niche practice, due to the difficulties of providing its economic viability. Lean management practices are promising in lowering the cost of remanufacturing. The aim of this paper is to develop a new method for simulation modeling using a high-level script language, similar to those used by industry experts, according to lean remanufacturing principles under PaaS conditions. This novel method is built on the user-centric principle. Thus, it enables to build the simulation models and to use them by decision-makers in business practice who are not specialists in simulation modeling and do not have programming competences. The library of reference processes for remanufacturing in PaaS is defined with the industrial partners.