Research issues on closed-loop PLM

This study introduces the research issues on closed-loop product lifecycle management (PLM) where product information flow is closed due to emerging technologies. PLM is a new strategic approach to manage the product lifecycle information efficiently over the whole product lifecycle. Recently, with emerging technologies, PLM enables us to gather and analyze the product lifecycle information and make decisions on several issues without spatial and temporal constraints. However, the PLM system just provides us with new opportunities to gain the competitiveness. To remove ineffectiveness within the product lifecycle and maximize the advantage of closed-loop PLM, it is necessary to look into new challenging issues. For this purpose, first, we introduce the concept of closed-loop PLM. Then, we explore several research problems that become highlighted in the closed-loop PLM. For each product lifecycle phase, we introduce research issues with the review of their previous research and address the requirements for resolving them. Finally, we close with discussion about our work and introduction of further research issues.