Production Support

Definition: The product support step is that period during which the product or process realizes a useful life.

Objective: The objective of the production support step is to maintain maximum value of the product or process through continual improvement in the technical aspects of the production process.

Product: The product of this activity is a competitive product.

Technical Activities: During the product support step, the following activities must be practiced:

• Product on-site technical instructions and updates for safe and effective use of the product or process

• Prepare, distribute and encourage use of instruction manuals for the assembly, operation, and maintenance of the product or process

• Design, produce, and distribute "consumables" used in the product or process

• Design and introduce timely but minor improvements in materials, components, systems, and software

• Produce and distribute spare parts

• Set up and provide warranty services

• Introduce new applications developed for the product or process

• Identify new product spin-offs or major product design changes that would require going back into earlier stage to be re-identified as a new product

• Disseminate alerts and undertake remedial action for unplanned product deficiencies or changing safety and environmental requirements

Technical Information: The production support step usually will result in knowledge about the optimal conditions, technologies, processes, and procedures to produce a competitive product.

Return to The Goldsmith Commercialization Model

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