Efficient Remanufacture through Use of Lean principles and Product Life-cycle data

Purpose and goal

The aim of this project was to develop support methods for implementing lean principles and efficient use of product life-cycle data to enhance the competitiveness of Swedish remanufacturing companies. By using lean and information from the product life-cycle a more efficient remanufacturing process achieved. Five methods have been developed that concerns feedback and feedforward of information, mapping of actors, value evaluations and user involvement to achieve improved processes. In addition, a demonstrator for simulating remanufacturing flows was developed.

Expected results and effects

The long term effects of this project are improved remanufacturing processes through shorter lead times, reduced costs, increased environmental performance and enhanced product quality. The methods developed give: - feed forward from product development, usage and service to remanufacturing, - feedback from remanufacturing to product development to achieve improved product quality and product designed for remanufacturing, and - improved user-involvement and business model facilitating efficient usage of product life-cycle information (e.g. Product-Service System).

Planned approach and implementation

The companies Toyota Material Handling, Tetra Pak, UBD Cleantech, Inrego, LTB Jobb and Qlean Scandinavia were involved within this project. The researchers came from Linköping University and Chalmers University. The project was divided into six work packages. Firstly, the companies were analysed in order to better understand their situation. Secondly, methods were developed. Finally, the methods were improved and customised in order to fit each company settings. During the entire project results were disseminated through reports, presentations and research papers.