Autor: Ingo Westphal

The development of industry 4.0 concepts in production and logistics has progressed rapidly in recent years. The systems being affected by rapid technological changes, such as the introduction of Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS). The realization of CPS requires interdisciplinary considerations of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, information and business management. The full potential of industry 4.0 can only be deployed, when in addition to technical challenges also business opportunities are involved in the development. The aim of this paper is to show specific requirements for development of CPS systems and to identify approaches for Cyber-Physical Product-Service Systems (CPSS).

Product attractiveness can be substantially increased when offering service extensions alongside. These services may create additional demand for the product by addressing new customer groups. The main challenge however is the development of services which increase customer value of the product to such an extent that leads to a purchase decision. The paper presents a method of idea generation for new product-service combinations following a systematic search approach for possible options. The basic concept of the suggested method as well as its search methodology for identification of promising services will be discussed using the example of the electric car, which so far lacks mass market success due to inadequate business models.