Service Enabler: A Software Agent using Lifecycle Data to Enable Knowledge-Intensive Services

In this paper, a software agent, namely, service enabler is proposed. The service enabler runs on a backend server and connects to each Intelligent Data Unit of a set of similar products to receive acquired dynamic data during a product lifecycle. It can actively use lifecycle data to help creation and delivery of product related knowledge-intensive services. It has been demonstrated in large scale field trials that product related knowledge-intensive services can be delivered through the use of service enabler. The service enabler proposed within this research study can open new horizons for product design (e.g. intelligent product), and contribute to the exploration of product lifecycle management.