Development of a Potential Analysis for the Introduction of Sustainable Digitization Solutions

Abstract

This paper presents a methodical approach that addresses the challenges of the development process to ensure sustainable product use. Consideration of user behavior in the use phase of products is imperative for efficient support by the technical system already in the development phase.For these and other challenges, the developed approach combines methods of system engineering with the human-technology-organization approach. It helps to identify and develop optimization potential in the area of digitization solutions in the early phases of the product lifecycle. To do this, a technical system is analyzed in its current state and the requirements of the stakeholders. By defining socio-technical system elements and applying a structured approach, recommendations can be outlined holistically. As a result, the recommendations lead to an increasing level of digitization of the technical system and ensure a targeted development process.Furthermore, the methodical approach includes modeling methods to deal with the complex system behavior. The modeling language SysML as well as task-related analysis methods are used to highlight faulty states and promising aspects. In addition to the human-technology-organization triad, the basis of the developed approach is the V-model, which is applied in phase-oriented design processes or iterative design steps. This makes the usage of the approach particularly advantageous for interdisciplinary development teams.