How can digitalization improve product maintenance in its lifecycle?

In an increasingly interconnected and technology-driven world, the effective management of product maintenance is critical. It’s no longer enough to simply react to breakdowns; instead, companies must proactively ensure operational efficiency, minimize downtime, and extend the lifespan of their products. This is where digitalisation comes in, offering a wide array of tools to revolutionize maintenance practices (Lee et al., 2013). We’re seeing a convergence of technologies like the Internet of Things, cloud computing, and AI, providing unparalleled capabilities for monitoring, analyzing, and optimizing maintenance activities (Schmidt et al., 2015). Think about the traditional model of product maintenance – often reactive, with scheduled checks at fixed intervals, regardless of actual need. This approach is quickly becoming outdated. Digitalisation is bringing in a new era of condition-based and predictive maintenance. By harnessing real-time data and advanced analytics, we can identify potential problems before they even arise (Sterk & Shryock, 1997). This means less downtime, lower maintenance costs, and improved safety, all while using resources more effectively. Simply adopting new technologies isn’t enough; to truly unlock the potential of digitalization in product maintenance, companies need a strategic roadmap that aligns with their broader digital transformation goals (Wixom & Watson, 2001). This involves investing in the right technologies, upskilling their workforce, and cultivating a culture where decisions are driven by data. In today’s competitive landscape, embracing digitalisation is no longer optional, it’s essential for companies to thrive and maintain a competitive edge (Sundararajan, 2017). This paper adopts a systems perspective to explore how a process-based approach can lead to addressing these dilemmas guided by the following research question: “How can digitalization improve product maintenance in its lifecycle? Influence of Assigned SDA on Group SDAA: My assigned SDA, “How can digitalization improve product maintenance in its lifecycle?”, is intrinsically linked to our group’s broader focus on “Maintenance”. Digitalisation acts as a catalyst for effective maintenance strategies, empowering companies to optimize their activities and achieve superior outcomes. By harnessing the power of digital technologies, companies can transform their maintenance practices, leading to increased efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced product value throughout the entire lifecycle.