Information Products for Remanufacturing: Tracing the Repair of an Aircraft Fuel-Pump

摘要

This paper reports our initial study of the remanufacturing process of an organization, with a special focus on the role and nature of the information involved. As a first step, we trace a key physical aircraft component, an aircraft fuel pump, throughout the process of remanufacture. We apply an information product perspective to guide the tracing of information relevant to all physical parts, products, and work activities involved. Remanufacturing is a complex process, which involves repairing and refurbishing parts and products in the carcass. It has been a common practice for aircraft, railway locomotives, and heavy construction equipment. As landfill becomes a scarce resource, remanufacturing will undoubtedly be extended to other products and industries. The quality of information is determined by characteristics of how the information integrates physical artifacts and activity process. Conversely, the quality of information can determine the performance quality of remanufacturing. An example of one aspect of this performance is the capacity to predict supply material effectively. The remanufacture process lends itself as a useful and comprehensive setting for studying the complex intricacies involved in role and nature of information. This study can be used to determine what should be required for information products for remanufacturing. Upon completion of our research, we aim to show a clear picture of the entire remanufacture process of an aircraft fuel pump and the nature and various roles of information involved in the process. We will then be able to determine the required information products for this process. We believe that tracing one specific part through remanufacturing in one organization will pave the way for understanding the information needs in manufacture and remanufacture process.