Proposition of an analysis framework to describe the "activeness" of a product during its life cycle part i: Motivations and modelling

Abstract

Recent advances in infotronics and communication have enabled the development of "intelligent" products. However, there is no clear and unanimous definition of an "intelligent" product. This paper reviews the different typologies used in this field and points out their main limitations. An analysis framework based on the concept of " activeness" is then proposed. This framework describes the situation of interaction between a collective of "active" products and a support system for a given function and a given phase of the life cycle. © 2014 Springer International Publishing Switzerland.