Title: Supportability perspectives: current practices and potential area for future research

Authors: Mohammad Asjad; Makarand S. Kulkarni; O.P. Gandhi

Addresses: ITMMEC, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas-110025, New Delhi, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas-110025, New Delhi, India ' ITMMEC, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas-110025, New Delhi, India

Abstract: Supportability is meant to enhance efficiency and effectiveness of the system through support elements, including design and logistics at the lowest possible cost. Elements of the support are installation, documentation, training, maintenance, etc., which play an important role in proper functioning of the system. The paper outlines two research issues, which identify the dimensions of supportability and approaches for addressing the supportability, and based on this, the literature review is carried out. The paper classified the literature, identified the gaps, and suggested potential directions for future research, on the basis of which a vital area of research has been proposed. It is hoped that this work will help designers, practicing engineers and researchers involved in the area, to carry out further research.

Keywords: supportability; system support; system efficiency; system effectiveness; logistics; design; installation, documentation, training; maintenance; customer support; customer requirements.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISE.2014.061994

International Journal of Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2014 Vol.17 No.2, pp.202 - 223

Published online: 25 Jul 2014 *

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