Recoverable manufacturing systems: A framework for analysis

Recoverable product environments are becoming an increasingly attractive way of providing environmentally friendly products. These type of systems avoid the problem of pollution by extending a product's useful life and by recycling materials at the end of a product's life. The management and control of recoverable manufacturing systems are more difficult than in traditional manufacturing systems. Recoverable manufacturing systems include both repair and remanufacturing operations, which differ in key control aspects. In addition, the amount of variability, with respect to materials and scheduling, in both repair and remanufacturing operations is inherently higher than in traditional manufacturing. We provide a framework which allows for the analysis of a recoverable manufacturing system and identifies the key areas for research in order to provide effective management and control of such systems.