Design for availability: A holistic approach to create value for manufacturers and customers of capital goods

This research introduces a holistic framework called Design for Availability that uses the principles of Lean Sigma and Design for X to cost-effectively optimize the availability of capital goods (i.e., technical systems used in the production of end-products or -services such as medical systems, airplanes, and manufacturing equipment) throughout their entire lifetime. Manufacturers require such a framework because users of capital goods increasingly insist on high system availability levels against reduced lifetime costs. The Design for Availability framework allows manufacturers to determine the current status of system availability and associated lifetime costs, and to identify opportunities to create additional value for themselves and their customers. A case study at a global manufacturer of capital goods in the food processing industry illustrates how the framework can be used in practice and to what extent the manufacturer and customers may profit from applying Design for Availability.