Exploiting Service Data of Similar Product Items for the Development of Improved Product Generations by Using Smart Input Devices

State-of-the-art industrial products generate large amounts of data that is not lead back into product development. The use of modern technologies like mobile devices and Auto-ID to identify product items and collect data offers a new, rich data source that can be used by product development. To gain an understanding of the products in practical application, the collected data can be processed by assistant systems for the improvement of products. The assistant system outlined in the paper in hand uses statistical methods and methods derived from risk management to provide a comprehensive analysis. A short overview of the analysis results is presented to the product developer as a preselection of parts worth improving. Based on the preselection, the product developer can choose specific parts and gain further information via the assistant system. The system itself provides that information using different methods of product and information visualization.