Product Service System Concept Research Articles

Applicability of Agent-based Modeling for Supporting Product-service System Development

In comparison to traditional product development the concept of product-service systems (PSS) integrates the traditional functionality of a product with services. This offers several advantages for involved stakeholders, such as added value for the customers and long-term customer relationships or more sustainable products by long-term product lifecycles. This conceptual change results in new challenges for the development and organization of PSS. This paper discusses PSS development and modeling as well as indicates limitations in tools and methods to model and simulate dynamic behavior of PSS based on literature. The approach of agent-based modeling (ABM) is a fairly new dynamic modeling approach and has been rarely discussed in PSS literature. As a bottom-up approach it represents system components as a collection of autonomous decision-making entities called agents. The agents have their own individual set of rules or behaviors by which they operate and interact with each other in a certain environment. These characteristic features seem to be a promising approach to support PSS development. The objective of this paper is to prove this assumption and to disclose areas where ABM can be used in PSS development. In this paper ABM is used to simulate the distribution of the e-bike sharing system PSSycle. The model shows on an exemplary use case of the PSSycle the minimal amount of e-bikes which should be distributed in a certain area to ensure an increasing user satisfaction with the PSSycle. The case study demonstrates the applicability of ABM to support PSS development. The results of the case study are also used to discuss further applications of ABM on PSS development.

A chance discovery-based approach for new product–service system (PSS) concepts

As a product–service system (PSS) attracts much attention as an alternative for sustainable development, studies have suggested ways to support the PSS development process. Despite the growing interest of PSS, however, little attention has been paid to generating PSS concepts from large-scale customer behaviors, situations, and relevant needs (BSNs) regarding a product. Although understanding customer BSNs comprehensively is the most prerequisite and fundamental in PSS development, the previous literature assumes that the identification of customer BSNs is completed or imputed to manual and intrinsic tasks by experts, such as customer surveys and interviews, which may be time-consuming and costly. Therefore, this paper proposes an approach to identifying new PSS concepts by combining the chance discovery theory and text mining of Web news. The approach helps PSS designers identify significant customer BSNs from massive news data over a wide-scope regarding a given product, and it facilitates PSS designers to ideate about PSS scenarios and concepts efficiently by providing breaking events which can act as PSS chances. To illustrate the working process of our approach, a case using Web news of electric bicycles is introduced. The proposed approach will contribute to the ideation process for new PSS concepts; it further holds the potential to create a synergetic effect in case of being incorporated into the existing PSS development methodologies.

Development of an extended Kansei engineering method to incorporate experience requirements in product–service system design

The customer experience is important for adding value to firms’ offerings but two challenges arise: the customer experience is increasingly created through interactions with product–service systems (PSSs) and it is formed through all moments of interaction with multiple firms. Incorporating customer experience requirements (ERs) into the design of PSSs is therefore a complex task. To address this challenge, this paper presents an extension of the Kansei engineering method consisting of two components. First, the extension includes an in-depth study of the customer experience from a holistic perspective that informs the design process. Second, it involves the active participation of multidisciplinary experts from the different partner companies that together enable the PSS offering. An application of this new extension is presented for mid-distance bus trips, involving passengers, a vehicle manufacturing and a transport provider company. The research followed design-science guidelines using an action research approach to develop new public transportation PSS concepts by involving a multidisciplinary design team. The customer experience study enables the team adequately incorporate ERs along the development process, and the joint work of the intercompany team of experts enables integration of the different PSS elements into a solution that enhances the travel experience from a holistic perspective.

Sustainable Product Service Systems: The New Frontier in Apparel Retailing?

There is an inherent conflict of interest between the product developer and the need for improved environmental health, as material consumption in the apparel industry is synonymous with revenue. This paper aims to explore the potential of product service systems (PSS), an emerging business concept in the sustainable design milieu, as a conduit for dematerialization in the apparel industry. The potential to sell fewer material apparel products and more services designed to enhance or support those products is a viable alternative. The authors correlate design attributes that most often lead to the disposal of apparel with PSS concepts, which may dematerialize the supply chain while increasing consumer satisfaction. This discussion also has important implications for design education related to PSS. Thus, a conceptual model is presented to guide such. Apparel products remain important in today's consumer culture. However, PSS may offer a way to maintain this contribution without the harmful byproducts.

A refined typology of product–service systems based on functional hierarchy modeling

The Product–Service System (PSS) concept has been proposed as a promising avenue to achieve sustainable consumption and production patterns and to improve the competitiveness of industrial manufacturers. The adoption of a PSS involves an orientation toward selling product functionality instead of selling products. Two aspects in the available PSS literature need to be refined. On the one hand it is crucial to achieve a systematic treatment of the notion of function, which is of central importance to the PSS concept. On the other hand the common PSS typology that distinguishes between product-oriented, use-oriented and result-oriented PSS needs to be revisited, as this categorization fails to capture the complexity of PSS examples found in practice. In this article a new functional decomposition technique, termed Functional Hierarchy Modeling (FHM), is proposed. This technique allows to analyze and represent the function(s) of an investment good within the customer's environment. It gives rise to a novel PSS typology based on the level of integration and the performance orientation of the dominant revenue mechanism within the PSS. Both FHM and the new PSS typology contribute to PSS theory by offering a framework instrumental in understanding the essential characteristics of a particular PSS and in designing a varied set of PSS options for a manufacturer of investment goods. Throughout the paper, this is illustrated with industrial examples.

EPES: Engineering System for Optimization of Product Life-cycle through Adapted Eco-services

EPES system will consist of a set of interoperable ICT tools, which will enable the manufacturing and engineering companies enter into a continuous process of upgrading their products along their life cycle within the frame of the Virtual Factory and Product Service System concept, through a configurable and adaptable set of software services. The services will focus on improving the performance of products in operation taking into account different knowledge based aspects as reliability, availability, maintainability, costs, productivity, quality, energy efficiency, environmental impact, working environment, etc. In this regard, and having as a reference an industry driven Business Case focused on the windmill sector, the approach followed by EPES to generate and develop high added value services to support the windmill farms maintenance will be discussed. The capabilities resulting from the research will enable the capitalization on trustable global and local Sustainability Intelligence. Product engineering teams will be able to exploit this intelligence to adapt design, operation and disposal strategies through managed “eco-constraints” relevant to their market contexts.

A Concept Generation Support System for Product-Service System Development

A product-service system (PSS) is a novel type of business model that integrates products and services in a single system. It provides a strategic alternative to product-oriented economic growth and price-based competition in the global market. This research proposes a methodology to support the generation of innovative PSS concepts, called the PSS concept generation support system. The models and strategies of 118 existing PSS cases were analyzed, and the insights extracted were used to develop the methodology. The methodology consists of various tools and a systematic procedure to support the generation process. It is generic enough to be applied to a variety of PSS contexts. The methodology is demonstrated and verified via case studies on the washing machine and refrigerator industries. The proposed PSS concept generation support system can serve as an efficient and effective aid to PSS designers for new PSS development.

Receptivity to the production of product service systems in the UK construction and manufacturing sectors: a comparative analysis

Abstract Trajectories of service innovations emanating from manufacturing sectors have been of particular interest to those wishing to improve resource productivity and promote sustainable development. Research has focused on product service systems (PSSs), which are a category of service innovations deliberately designed to offer superior environmental performance. This paper draws on research which explored whether trajectories of PSS can be induced on new UK housing developments to satisfy household demand and prevent household waste. The research was undertaken with a UK speculative house-builder and facilities management service providers from its supplier network. Qualitative data were collected via interviews and focus groups to enable rich accounts of the range of factors in these firms' selection environments which affect receptivity to PSS production to be developed. These were compared with factors affecting receptivity to PSS production identified in a study of UK manufacturers. The results show that in contrast to the manufacturing study, clear drivers for PSS delivery on new housing developments are absent in external selection environments of participating firms and uncertainty associated with the potential of PSS concepts to satisfy household demand inhibits development of requisite competence for PSS delivery within these. Thus further research is needed to explore new PSS supply arrangements involving a range of household service providers.

Ergonomics and design for sustainability in healthcare: ambient assisted living and the social-environmental impact of patients lifestyle

This work presents considerations on Ergonomics and Design for Sustainability in the healthcare field based on research experiences of the Technology and Design for Healthcare (TeDH) research group of INDACO (Industrial design, communication, arts and fashion) department of Politecnico di Milano. In order to develop a multidisciplinary approach to design able to answer to specific user needs such as elderly in an environmental sustainable way (1) this paper shows the results we achieved concerning ergonomics and environmental impact in product development (2), the extension of this approach to interior and home design and the advantage of the application of Information Communication Technologies (ICT). ICT can help people with special needs to make their everyday life easier and more safe, at the same time, ICT can make social-environmental impact of everyday behavior evident and can be applied to manage sustainability. The specific theme is thus to integrate ergonomics and sustainability competences in the development of Ambient Assisted Living through a Product- Service System approach. The concept of product service system has the potential to improve product performances and services, establish new relations and networks with different actors in order to satisfy user needs and apply a systems approach considering environmental, social and economic factors in the users' environment.

Designing the sustainable product-service integration: a product-service blueprint approach

As a means for providing the sustainable production and consumption, the concept of product-service system (PSS) has received increasing attention. What is at the core in the PSS is the design, since it determines the distinctive characteristics and quality of PSS. Even though some tools have been suggested for PSS design, previous tools mainly focus on identifying the relationship between actors in a conceptual level. Despite the fact that it is significant and cannot be neglected, what is more important in a practical situation is to represent the detailed flow or relationship of PSS elements, with the consideration of products and services. In response, this paper proposes a ‘‘product-service blueprint’ which is a new and systematic way to elucidate the relationship between products and services, providing the implication of how PSS can provide the sustainable production and consumption. Employing the service blueprint as a starting point, new areas, lines, and symbols are introduced to represent the distinctive features of PSS. The proposed product-service blueprint represents the product use throughout the life cycle, service flow from the management to the customer, and the relationship between products and services. Taken together, the product-service blueprint will help both managers and researchers to promote the product-service integration under the concrete framework.

Guest editorial: IJAMT special issue on: product-service systems

Manufacturing industries are shifting their offerings from selling a physical product to sell functions through product-service system (PSS) business model. This enables manufacturing companies to generate more revenue and better satisfying and exceeding customer expectations. The PSS has great impacts on the product life cycle, the customer and the relationship between the product, business processes, organisational structure and cost. Therefore, there is increasing need to understand these challenges and issues that are critical to the success of developing PSS. Scenarios of PSS in different industrial domains are required to illustrate the implementation success factors of such model. Several manufacturing organisations have passed through this transformation and have good insight and knowledge about the challenge. There is a need to enhance multidisciplinary research in the PSS area. This Special Issue of the International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology presents ten selected papers that cover state of the art research in a number of PSS areas. Some of these papers have been selected from the proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Manufacturing Research (ICMR 2008) held at Brunel University, UK on 9–11 September 2008. This special issue commences with two papers on PSS for machine tool industry. Greenough and Grubic’s paper focuses on modelling condition-based maintenance to deliver a service to machine tool users. The paper describes the development and validation of two software tools to explore the relationship between prognostics and health management technologies and servitization in the machine tool industry. The second paper presents the concept of an industrial product-service system for CNC machine tool (mt-iPSS) based on the provision and enhancement of machining capabilities by Zhu et al. An architecture is proposed to enable the mt-iPSS from the aspects of both hardware and software. Huang et al. investigate how the new concept of PSS can be used and extended to transform, elevate and revitalise traditional equipment manufacturing industry such as the mould and die sector. PSS encompasses several challenges in terms of innovation, organisation structure, information flow and uncertainties. Lee and Abu Ali in their paper present an operating system for innovation by offering a methodology for systematic innovative thinking and a toolbox of interconnected tools that can aid in the transformation of core product competencies into effective product-service amalgamations. An approach for a modular organisation structure with the extension of modular organisation units is described by Meier et al. The structure is supporting the flexible use of resources of networking companies. Planning the resources for the integrated PSS delivery is a complex problem that also needs new planning methods. The metaheuristic optimisation strategy is an approach to establish a real-time planning and control. Durugbo et al. present a review of diagrammatic information flow tools which are designed to describe a system through its functions. A case study of selection lasermelting technology implemented as PSS has been employed to show the application of information flow modelling for PSS design. Mittermeye et al. argue that although PSS possess great potential, the health care sector has not given an attention of the research community. They E. Shehab (*) :R. Roy Decision Engineering Centre, Manufacturing Department, Cranfield University, Building 50, Cranfield, Bedfordshire MK43 0AL, UK e-mail: e.shehab@cranfield.ac.uk

Establishing production service system and information collaboration platform for mold and die products

This paper investigates how the new concept of product service systems can be used and extended to transform, elevate, and revitalize traditional equipment manufacturing industry such as the Mold and Die (MD) sector. A mold and die production service systems (MPSS) framework is established based on recent developments within our industrial collaborators. Within the MPSS framework, MD manufacturers become more specialized in producing MD products and components while sharing and outsourcing manufacturing-oriented services (MOS) from a service provider. Typical services include collaborative order pooling and release, collaborative project progress status tracking, contractor-managed collaborative outsourcing, collaborative product design, collaborative production planning and scheduling, and after-sales technical supports. MOSs are designed, developed, and deployed as SaaS (software as application services) following the service-oriented architecture. Collectively, they form iMPSS—an Information and Collaboration Platform that enables MPSS. The use of iMPSS leads to benefits for stakeholders involved in providing mold and die functionality including better shopfloor decisions and reduced IT investments.

Exploring the potential of Product Service Systems to achieve household waste prevention on new housing developments in the UK

Product service systems (PSS) are cleaner product concepts which have been developed to achieve improvements in resource productivity which may be realized from modern trends in service delivery. However, there is a paucity of research on the waste prevention performance of PSS in UK household markets. This paper reports the findings of exploratory research which begins to address this gap in knowledge. An exploratory waste prevention assessment was completed on four experimental PSS which were developed in conjunction with a major UK house-builder for delivery on their new housing developments. The results of the assessment show that the selected PSS concepts have potential to prevent high value and harmful Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) arising in UK household waste streams. Consistent with the canon of exploratory research, the assessment also identifies a number of factors which are thought to influence PSS waste prevention performance. It is recognized that further research is needed to gain an in-depth understanding of these factors as well as to define policy measures which enable the conditions in which PSS prevent household waste on new housing developments in the UK to be created.

The PSO triangle: designing product, service and organisation to create value

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to advance the understanding of product‐service systems (PSS). It uses a multiple method approach to analyse literature and cases and synthesise a framework for the understanding and investigation of PSS. It demonstrates the need to consider the “organisation” or network, of firms involved in defining, designing and delivering value through the PSS. This is conceptualised as a product‐service‐organisation (PSO).Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses three complementary methodologies: a road‐mapping analysis, investigating industrial challenges for collaborating enterprises, a multidisciplinary literature review of PSS concepts and analysis of two cases.FindingsThe paper finds that value can be most effectively delivered by networks of collaborating firms, integrating the products and services they offer to create the value which customers seek. In short, creating value requires the simultaneous design of product, service and organisation – the PSO triangle.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper offers a new classification of PSS related literature, drawing on a broad review of research in marketing, design and operations management related to service and PSS. The framework helps researchers understand the organisational challenges of PSS and provides suggested future research directions and questions.Practical implicationsThe framework provides the foundations for a process to develop PSS. It highlights the organisational challenges and suggests that a systematic yet iterative process can be devised to create and deliver value. This means defining customer value which can be profitably delivered; designing the PSS to create this value and identifying the required capabilities; and finally creating and managing the network of partners responsible for delivering value.Originality/valueThe major contribution is a link between the emerging PSS literature and previous research on virtual enterprises and other types of organisational networks. The paper argues that PSS often creates the need to identify and access capabilities through a collaborative network. This is conceptualised in the PSO triangle.

An analysis of a product service system in Bolivia: coffee in Yungas

The concept of Product-Service Systems (PSS) was suggested as one of the solutions to address the increasing levels of production and consumption. It advocates the view that sustainability can be reached if all elements of the system are optimised from economic, environmental and social perspectives. Lately, we have seen the proliferation of examples of PSS in Western countries, driven by market and legislative pressures. On the other hand, there are still very few cases from developing countries that are described and analysed. It is therefore useful to investigate whether the PSS concept is of value for non-Western countries and how the existing cases are shaped in a different context. This article analyses the case of coffee production in Bolivia from the PSS perspective. It is demonstrated that the shift to the shared ownership of equipment had not only economic but also environmental and social implications and led to an improved quality of life in the community.

State-of-the-art in product-service systems

A Product-Service System (PSS) is an integrated combination of products and services. This Western concept embraces a service-led competitive strategy, environmental sustainability, and the basis to differentiate from competitors who simply offer lower priced products. This paper aims to report the state-of-the-art of PSS research by presenting a clinical review of literature currently available on this topic. The literature is classified and the major outcomes of each study are addressed and analysed. On this basis, this paper defines the PSS concept, reports on its origin and features, gives examples of applications along with potential benefits and barriers to adoption, summarizes available tools and methodologies, and identifies future research challenges.

The transfer and application of Product Service Systems: from academia to UK manufacturing firms

The servicisation of many advanced economies is thought by many commentators to provide opportunities to move society away from unsustainable patterns of production and consumption. The concept of the Product Service System (PSS) has been conceptualised in academic circles to assist in the attainment of such desirable futures. This paper reports the findings of research conducted as part of the SOLiD project which considered the transfer and application of the PSS concept from academia to industry in the United Kingdom. It draws upon theories from evolutionary economics to provide a rationale for the transfer of the PSS concept and the role of this in achieving desirable technological change. The paper also identifies an appropriate methodology to transfer the PSS concept from UK academic circles to industry and the factors which impact upon, and importantly lead to, the successful completion of this process. The combination of theoretical insight with case study research is used to develop a framework that could help UK based intermediaries to complete the transfer of the PSS concept. This is seen as an integral part of public policies aimed at stimulating sustainable patterns of production and consumption.

Product-services as a research field: past, present and future. Reflections from a decade of research

In the last decade many researchers, institutes and programs in the EU paid attention to product-service systems (PSS). Given this massive effort, it is time to take stock. Is PSS research a theoretical field in its own right? Is the PSS concept indeed the road to the Factor 10 world? Is it the road to enhanced competitiveness? What is needed to really use the potential of the concept? This paper discusses these questions summarizing the analysis done in the PSS review book ‘New Business for Old Europe’, various EU sponsored projects and the conceptual approach chosen in a new research network on Sustainable Consumption and Production, called SCORE!

Campus: “lab” and “window” for sustainable design research and education

PurposeThis paper aims to diffuse the concept of a multi‐lateral learning process as a means to promote experimental didactics and research (and the cross‐fertilization between these two activities) in the field of design of sustainable product‐service systems (PSSs) and to consider the university campus as the locus for the design, implementation and dissemination of sustainable innovative solutions.Design/methodology/approachThe presentation, description and justification of the working hypothesis, i.e. the campus as community “lab” and “window” to design and promote sustainable innovation. It is described throughout the direct and experimental experiences matured by the design in emerging context for sustainability (DECOS) educational network. This is introduced by both a general overview of disciplinary contents and by the presentation, description and justification of the disciplinary issue. The achievements of the case study (the educational projects spin‐off) and the (disciplinary) contextualization of the case study (the educational design projects) are discussed.FindingsThe paper presents findings at two levels. First, disciplinary: the paper justifies the concept of sustainable PSS as a radical innovation model towards sustainability, highlighting its potentialities for emerging contexts (countries). Within this disciplinary framework, it points out the necessity of raising a new generation of designers equipped to operate as system sustainability innovators. Second, educational: through the presentation of a successful case study, it validates the multilateral learning process (network) as a means to develop and promote curriculum innovation and validates the hypothesis that university campuses can be used as optimum show‐cases for the design, testing and dissemination of sustainable solutions for society at large.Practical implicationsConcrete implications of the actions described in the paper are the introduction of advanced/experimental education courses within the curricula. It suggests also the development of tools and mechanisms (such as the use of specific collaborative design web tools and the students and teachers exchanges) as possible future developments for the presented actions.Originality/valueThe idea of studying the PSS applicability and potential in emerging countries represents an original approach. Furthermore, the paper presents an original and effective way of linking experimental didactic with open‐front research issues.

Product-service systems in the automotive industry: the case of micro-factory retailing

Solutions to the economic and environmental impacts of the automotive industry have largely focused on technological innovation at the level of products or processes. This paper argues that, in order to achieve sustainability, change processes must be undertaken at the functional and systemic level. The concept of product-service systems (PSS) represents a valuable opportunity to introduce such changes. PSS is predicated on new forms of product ownership, stewardship, design and producer–consumer interaction. The challenge now is to investigate ways in which the PSS concept might be introduced at the empirical level. The paper suggests that the adoption of micro-factory retailing (MFR) ideas offer a means of introducing such a system-level change in the automotive industry. MFR is based on novel approaches to vehicle design that facilitate the economic viability of small-scale localised manufacturing sites. It is argued that such an approach to vehicle production, allows the adoption of a full scale PSS at local levels. Furthermore, via aspects such as the unification of the commerce and manufacturing function, and the proximity of manufacturing and servicing sites to users, the MFR approach may also offer distinct advantages compared with prevailing visions of PSS.