Datamodels for PSS Development and Configuration: Existing Approaches and Future Research

Product-service systems (hereinafter referred to as PSS) are a hybrid combination of products and services. They are problem-oriented solutions which address the individual needs of customers. To fulfill these individual needs, a customer-centric development of PSS is necessary. Therefore, a customizable product is essential, which can be designed with parametric and knowledge-based models. One of the biggest advantages of a PSS is at the same time one of the biggest challenges: addressing current requirements of customers during the life cycle. This results in the need of modifying the product during its use. In view of the existing hardware, an arbitrary modification is in contrast to product development not possible, which calls for refinement and adaption design. In this paper the idea of a variable product model – parametric during the development and case and rule based during the life cycle – is discussed, to show the advantages and assign different models to the phases of the life cycle.