Design of a Methodological Framework for Adaptive Remanufacturing-based Business Models

Abstract As manufacturing companies face a globally increasing consumption of resources and the associated environmental impact, sustainable solutions are gaining in importance for manufacturing companies. In this context, the life cycle extension of capital goods offers a promising approach to increase the resource efficiency. On this basis, a proactive, intelligent maintenance strategy is being developed as part of the research project Adaptive Remanufacturing for Life cycle Optimization of Capital Goods (ReLIFE). The associated preservation of a predefined machine performance level enables the realization of new business models. This paper provides a framework for the development of the theoretical and methodological foundations for a business model based on Adaptive Remanufacturing, derived from the current state of the art in the field of remanufacturing- and maintenance-based business models. The development process consists of the four steps - Status Quo, Business Context, Value Architecture and Business Model Characteristics - and is supported via the adoption of the Business Model Canvas as well as the St. Gallen Business Model Navigator. The Value Architecture, in which the focus is on the implementation of a Product Service System (PSS), represents the core of the business model. Instead of selling the product, only its usage is provided. The manufacturer, as PSS provider, retains ownership and is responsible for maintenance, remanufacturing and other services in order to keep control of the product. Moreover, the idea of ownerless consumption and a transparent financing model opens the market for new customers and enables economic potential by extending the use phase of the respective capital good.