Life-cycle and information management of products â a case study of concrete element industry

Abstract

Life-cycle management is a necessary approach in the development of sustainable product concepts. However, it is a big challenge for product manufacturers. Manufacturers need new information and tools which aid in the consideration of client requirements and user needs, in interaction between design and manufacture, and in understanding the effects of production and the effects of different use and end-of-life scenarios. The manufacturer needs information about those stages of life cycle that are out of his direct influence and means of influence; the latter may include procurement criteria, instructions for sustainable use and disposal and the development of maintenance and other services for the use phase. This paper discusses the role of life-cycle management in sustainable production concepts and the role of information management in life-cycle management. The research includes a review of literature, a case study carried out for concrete elements manufacture, and discussion on the basis of the result...