Enabling cost-optimal product adaptation planning in Product Service-Systems

In recent decades, the accelerating consumption of natural resources has highlighted the need for economically and ecologically sustainable solutions. To address this challenge, adaptive upgrades during the lifecycle, particularly those embedded in product service systems (PSS), offer a promising way to extend product lifespans and reduce the need for new production. However, planning the timing and extent of the adaptation is crucial to ensure efficient implementation. This paper presents an optimization model for planning lifecycle-integrated adaptations in PSS with respect to economic and environmental goals, where environmental aspects are economically internalized. The model determines the optimal adaptation plan by determining the timing of adaptations, appropriate component versions, and the end-of-life strategy for dismantled components, considering user requirements, technological progress, and component wear. The application of the model is demonstrated using a material handling equipment use case. Significant operating cost savings can be achieved in different application scenarios through use-case-specific adaptation planning, showing the potential of adapting products in PSS.