Digital twins in product-service lifecycles: a framework proposal for enhancing competitiveness and sustainability in manufacturing business

Abstract

Manufacturing companies have shifted their interest toward comprehensive solutions and novel digital technologies. These technologies, such as digital twins (DTs), have enabled new business opportunities for various actors throughout product and service lifecycles, from initial drafts to disposal or reuse. However, the concreteness of these opportunities in terms of competitiveness and sustainable business still requires further study. Thus, this article examines the possibilities of data-based business and DT-enabled solutions in the manufacturing business along all stages of product-service lifecycles. The research method of this study was qualitative; it included semi-structured thematic interviews with manufacturing industry professionals. The study obtained extensive results: DT-based lifecycle solutions can provide competitiveness and sustainable value in several ways by contributing from design to usage optimization and renewal of solutions. The study also helps to understand the potential of the end of a lifecycle, as it encourages companies to assess the value of the data-based business and DT-enabled solutions throughout the entire lifecycle of a product. As a main contribution, the results inspired an updated product – service lifecycle management framework. Manufacturing companies can use this study to evaluate and recognize new business opportunities and to find ways to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of their operations.