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Product-Service System (PSS) Development and Customization for Sustainability

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2021) | Viewed by 32030

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Dr. Mario Fargnoli

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Guest Editor

Industrial Engineering Courses, Universitas Mercatorum, Rome, Italy
Interests: safety engineering; industrial engineering; environmental engineering; ecodesign; design for safety; the safe use of pesticides; the impact of human error on workers safety; occupational health and safety; product service system (PSS) development and customization; quality function deployment (QFD) and its extensions; sustainable product development

Prof. Dr. Tomohiko Sakao

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Department of Management and Engineering, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
Interests: ecodesign; design for sustainability; Product-Service System (PSS); circular economy; intelligent systems; customization
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Prof. Dr. Wenyan Song

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School of Economics and Management, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
Interests: sustainable product/service development; sustainable supply chain management
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Dear Colleagues,

The evolution of the concept of environmental sustainability in the industrial world has brought to light the importance of developing resource-efficient business solutions integrating the tangible and intangible features of their offerings. Such a servitization trend has led to different models of product–service systems (PSSs), which have been applied in different contexts of industrial engineering, providing beneficial results especially in terms of the reduction of environmental impacts and the costs towards the products’ life-cycle. In this ambit, numerous studies have demonstrated that customer satisfaction can also be augmented thanks to advanced service assets included in the PSS offerings. Furthermore, the recent development of information and communication technologies (e.g., Internet of things, cloud computing, and digital technologies) offer opportunities for meeting individual customer’s needs and wants. However, while value adding approaches have been widely discussed at a general level (i.e., assuming homogeneous customers), in the literature, a few specific studies have investigated customization issues (i.e., addressing the dimensions of customer variety) in PSS for the development of sustainable solutions (except for several advanced contributions in Sustainability, Journal of Industrial Ecology, and Journal of Cleaner Production). Such an aspect should be considered to be of great concern for researchers and practitioners, as merely relying on the development of standard efficient solutions cannot guarantee the competitiveness of companies.

Hence, the integration of environmental and customization issues since the early stages of PSS development needs to be advanced in order to better deal with both the varying environmental aspects of a product and its related services, as well as their combined value for customers.

Accordingly, both traditional design and management tools need to be refined in order to provide methods, tools, and supports addressing the dynamics of customization, such as the development of PSS platforms, which can be built upon with add-ons, depending on the needs different customers.

Prof. Mario Fargnoli
Prof. Dr. Tomohiko Sakao
Prof. Dr. Wenyan Song
Guest Editors

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Keywords

Product–service system (PSS) development
Customization in ecodesign
Personalization for sustainability
Information and communication technologies for customization
Digital technologies for PSS customization
PSS modularity and customization for sustainability
Requirements management for sustainable PSS customization
PSS modularization and configuration
Sustainability assessment for PSS customization

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 4109 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Case Study Research to Foster the Optimization of Supply Chain Management through the PSS Approach

by Mario Fargnoli, Nicolas Haber and Massimo Tronci

Sustainability 2022, 14(4), 2235; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14042235 - 16 Feb 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3049

Abstract

The optimization of a product’s whole life cycle has become a mandatory task for manufacturers seeking to deal with circular economy requirements while gaining competitiveness in the market. In order to achieve such a sustainability goal, alignment of production, distribution, and field service activities is needed. In the literature, numerous studies indicate the product–service system (PSS) approach as one of the most promising business models to combine the needs of manufacturers and customers in an efficient and effective manner. However, PSS solutions aimed at practically optimizing supply chain management have scarcely been addressed. In order to reduce this gap, the current study proposes a procedure based on the PSS Functional Matrix, the Screening Life Cycle Modelling (SLCM) method, and stock management theory to optimize aftermarket services based on market demand. A case study in the medical equipment sector, where market demand can fluctuate during the contract period, is presented. The analytical results show beneficial effects in terms of both costs and environmental impact, suggesting the need for further research to augment knowledge on PSS and supply chain management. In particular, the PSS allowed the company to customize the manufacturer’s business model, adapting the supply of aftermarket services to varying customer needs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Product-Service System (PSS) Development and Customization for Sustainability)

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22 pages, 3375 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Product Service System Configuration Based on a PCA-QPSO-SVM Model

by Zhaoyi Cui and Xiuli Geng

Sustainability 2021, 13(16), 9450; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13169450 - 23 Aug 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1893

Abstract

To achieve sustainable development and improve market competitiveness, many manufacturers are transforming from traditional product manufacturing to service manufacturing. In this trend, the product service system (PSS) has become the mainstream of supply to satisfy customers with individualized products and service combinations. The diversified customer requirements can be realized by the PSS configuration based on modular design. PSS configuration can be deemed as a multi-classification problem. Customer requirements are input, and specific PSS is output. This paper proposes an improved support vector machine (SVM) model optimized by principal component analysis (PCA) and the quantum particle swarm optimization (QPSO) algorithm, which is defined as a PCA-QPSO-SVM model. The model is used to solve the PSS configuration problem. The PCA method is used to reduce the dimension of the customer requirements, and the QPSO is used to optimize the internal parameters of the SVM to improve the prediction accuracy of the SVM classifier. In the case study, a dataset for central air conditioning PSS configuration is used to construct and test the PCA-QPSO-SVM model, and the optimal PSS configuration can be predicted well for specific customer requirements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Product-Service System (PSS) Development and Customization for Sustainability)

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20 pages, 1874 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Product-Service Systems Customization: A Case Study Research in the Medical Equipment Sector

by Nicolas Haber and Mario Fargnoli

Sustainability 2021, 13(12), 6624; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126624 - 10 Jun 2021

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3474

Abstract

The paper proposes a Product-Service System (PSS) methodology for customizing solutions to different patterns of use while achieving a better environmental performance than a stand-alone product. The approach is based on combining the Quality Function Deployment for Product-Service Systems (QFDforPSS) and the Screening Life Cycle Modeling (SLCM) tools. QFDforPSS is augmented by the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) to reduce service-related ambiguities and uncertainties on the one hand and better define the product and service characteristics of the solution on the other. The SLCM evaluates the possible outcomes by determining the environmental impact and comparing it with the manufacturer’s current solution. A case study at a manufacturer of medical diagnostic equipment illustrates the use of the approach depicting the possible benefits that can arise: the PSS solution can be customized to fit customers who intensively use the product and consumers with a more moderate use. This offers flexibility and an optimized life cycle through easier maintenance, upgrades, and end-of-life schemes. Concretely, it shows how the PSS approach can enhance the development of sustainable solutions that can be adapted to varying and future customer needs, such as adjusting current solutions to new requirements, i.e., adapting existing products to COVID-19 detection and different levels of use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Product-Service System (PSS) Development and Customization for Sustainability)

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27 pages, 26253 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Development of Sustainable Product Service Systems Based on Design-Centric Complexity

by Peng Zhang, Shaohua Jing, Zifeng Nie, Boyuan Zhao and Runhua Tan

Sustainability 2021, 13(2), 532; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13020532 - 08 Jan 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3128

Abstract

Product-service system (PSS) complexity is rapidly increasing in order to meet complex user requirements. Increased complexity leads to PSSs failing to meet sustainability requirements in their initial design. To enhance PSS sustainability and support social benefits, this paper proposes a sustainable PSS development framework based on design-centric complexity (DCC) theory. In the early design stage of a PSS, DCC theory is used to analyze the complexity of the system. Determination of the types of complexity in the system and the corresponding problems is then performed. By combining the sub-field model of TRIZ, the problems can be converted and solved, and the functional periodicity may be established to reduce system complexity. By using this development framework, the conflicts and potential problems of design attributes can be reduced and the possibility of achieving PSSs functional requirements (FRs) can be enhanced. This will maintain the long-term operation stability for the system and enhance the sustainability of the PSS. Finally, the feasibility of the development framework is verified here through the case analysis of a bicycle sharing service and management system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Product-Service System (PSS) Development and Customization for Sustainability)

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25 pages, 6936 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Product/Service-System Family Design for Efficient Customization with Lean Principles: Model, Method, and Tool

by Tomohiko Sakao, Tatsunori Hara and Ryo Fukushima

Sustainability 2020, 12(14), 5779; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12145779 - 17 Jul 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2925

Abstract

Facing the need to address environmental issues of our society and individual customer needs and wants along with the trend of offering hybrids of services and products, the ability to efficiently design hybrid offerings is imperative to provide high levels of added value. This ability is much needed throughout the industry, while this type of design is highly challenging due to its high complexity. To date, however, there have been only a few proposals for methods that tackle this challenge at the conceptual design stage. This article proposes a model, a method, and a computerized tool that together support the conceptual design of families of product/service systems (PSSs). First, a PSS family model is presented and then implemented as an add-on to an existing computer-aided design (CAD) tool. Next, a method building upon the model and lean principles is developed as a design procedure. The software and the method are verified through an industrial example of designing a family of logistic services. The proposed model, method, and tool were found effective for describing different key elements of PSS family design. The power of the CAD tool was also demonstrated by taking advantage of a database of model building blocks and semi-automatic calculations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Product-Service System (PSS) Development and Customization for Sustainability)

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23 pages, 4601 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Fuzzy ANP-QFD Methodology for Determining Stakeholders in Product-Service Systems Development from Ecosystem Perspective

by Dao Yin, Xinguo Ming, Zhiwen Liu and Xianyu Zhang

Sustainability 2020, 12(8), 3329; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12083329 - 20 Apr 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3384

Abstract

Recently the competition between firms is transforming from “firm vs. firm” to “ecosystem vs. ecosystem”. To fulfil the personalized customer requirements for a high-quality product-service in the age of servitization and sustainability, it is difficult for an individual actor to realize it. The product-service system (PSS) is naturally an integration of product and service. The final product-service of PSS that depends on a tangible product and intangible service, calls for value co-creation of multi-stakeholders. However, most existing related works have investigated PSS from the perspective of a supply chain or network, PSS in the view of an ecosystem of multi-stakeholders lacks sufficient exploration, especially the topic on the relationship between product-service and stakeholders. To fill the gap, this paper proposed a framework for the PSS ecosystem with quality function deployment (QFD) and fuzzy analytic network process (fuzzy ANP) to determine the stakeholders by clarifying the relationship between the final integrated product-service and stakeholders. Firstly, the PSS ecosystem structure was presented, including the stakeholders. Secondly, a model with the three-stage fuzzy ANP-QFD approach to determine stakeholders was employed. Thirdly, the specific process of the three-stage approach was presented. An illustrative case study of the automobile aftermarket was presented to verify the proposed model and approach. Discussions and future directions concluded this paper. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Product-Service System (PSS) Development and Customization for Sustainability)

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25 pages, 2999 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimization of the Product–Service System Configuration Based on a Multilayer Network

by Zaifang Zhang, Darao Xu, Egon Ostrosi and Hui Cheng

Sustainability 2020, 12(2), 746; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12020746 - 20 Jan 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3096

Abstract

Product–service systems (PSS) accelerate the transition of value creation patterns for manufacturing industries, from product design and production to the delivery of overall solution integrating products and services. Existing PSS configuration solutions provide customers with preferable product modules and service modules characterized by the module granularity. Every service module is essentially a whole service flow. However, the performance of the PSS configuration solution is greatly influenced by service details. In summary, this paper studied the configuration optimization of product-oriented PSS using a fine-grained perspective. A multilayer network composed of (i) a product layer, (ii) a service layer, and (iii) a resource layer was constructed to represent the elements (product parts, service activities, resources) and relationships in PSS. Service activities selection and resource allocation were considered jointly to construct the mathematical model of PSS configuration optimization, thus enabling the calculation of optimizing objectives (time, cost, and reliability) under constraints closer to the actual implementation. The importance degree of service activity was considered to improve the performance of service activities with higher importance. Corresponding algorithms were improved and applied for obtaining the optimal solutions. The case study in the automotive industry shows the various advantages of the proposed method. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Product-Service System (PSS) Development and Customization for Sustainability)

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Review

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26 pages, 3998 KiB

Open AccessReview

Systematic Literature Review—Effects of PSS on Sustainability Based on Use Case Assessments

by Till Blüher, Theresa Riedelsheimer, Sonika Gogineni, Antje Klemichen and Rainer Stark

Sustainability 2020, 12(17), 6989; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12176989 - 27 Aug 2020

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3732

Abstract

Product-service systems (PSS) are often presented as an inherently sustainable business model. The argumentation is often based on theoretical considerations, which cite circular economy (CE) characteristics in PSS business models as an explanation. In this paper we examined to what extent positive and negative sustainability effects of PSS could actually be observed, based on use cases. For this purpose, we conducted a systematic literature review and analyzed the statements on sustainability effects based on the triple bottom line approach. We find that positive sustainability effects, especially on the environmental sustainability of PSS, are described disproportionately often, which may be indicating a possible publication bias. In addition, the methods used to derive statements on sustainability effects are very heterogeneous and often unsystematic, making it difficult to compare the described effects. Furthermore, we were able to identify drivers that are particularly often considered in literature to be responsible for sustainability effects. As a result, we were able to derive direct implications for future research in the field of sustainability assessment of PSS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Product-Service System (PSS) Development and Customization for Sustainability)

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22 pages, 491 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Product/Service System Design Schema: Application to Big Data Analytics

by Tomohiko Sakao and Abhijna Neramballi

Sustainability 2020, 12(8), 3484; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12083484 - 24 Apr 2020

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5112

Abstract

The challenge of environmental sustainability has required product/service systems (PSSs) to play a substantial role. New technologies such as big data analytics (BDA), which have high potential to improve or enable PSSs, are increasingly implemented in industry. However, research achieved in the past and research opportunities in the intersection of PSS design and BDA are unclear in the literature. Therefore, this article took an inter-disciplinary approach and aimed to pave the way forward for research and development in PSS design and show opportunities to improve PSS design and delivery using BDA. The research methods adopted were literature synthesis and systematic literature review. The synthesis of PSS design literature resulted in a schema consisting of 10 design steps for PSS conceptual design. The systematic review of BDA literature found 11 research works, including industrial applications, which were then mapped on to the PSS design schema. This revealed the achievement of applied research using BDA for some of the PSS design steps as well as opportunities of research for the others. The two inter-related areas of research, PSS design and BDA, were connected with each other more clearly, so that further research could be anchored and motivated with more specificity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Product-Service System (PSS) Development and Customization for Sustainability)

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