A framework for integrated manufacturing and product service system: Integrating service operations into product life cycle

Abstract

The manufacturing industry is facing unprecedented challenges in this dynamic economy and social environment. Factors like incorporation of quality services, environmental sustainability and the successful effective leveraging of industrial informatics for virtual enterprises are new determinants for a manufacturing enterprise to stay competitive. Among these, the environment problems related to electronic waste have prompted the electronic products manufactures to innovate and adopt new iniatives such as take back system and after-sales service network. A concept with a holistic approach to integrate manufacturing and service with the considerations for environmental sustainability is being introduced here. Based on this, the service stage is discussed and a software infrastructure framework for this stage will be proposed. Finally, a case scenario for the use of computer in manufacturing environments is elaborated. Copyright © 2007 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.