Digital product lifecycle
The new standard for machine and device business
European industrial companies cannot afford to fall behind in an increasingly fast‑moving competitive landscape. While technologies evolve, one thing remains unchanged: the physical product must be excellent, and new features must reach the market quickly and with high quality.
Digital Product Lifecycle is a Finnish innovation that turns machine and device lifecycle data into a continuous source of value – enabling the development of better equipment and better business at the same time.
When things are done right from the very beginning, R&D and the following phases of the lifecycle can achieve up to 90% savings in time and cost.
Harri Laukkanen, creator of the Digital Product Lifecycle model
Copyright: Gofore
Digital Product Lifecycle model
Digital Product Lifecycle is Gofore’s model in which the business, product development, data, and digital solutions of companies in the machine and device industry are integrated into a single, unified entity. At the core of the model are:
- Making critical decisions as early as possible in the product lifecycle (so-called front-loading).
- The idea that a physical product is created first as a digital entity and continues to exist throughout its entire lifecycle as a digital counterpart.
- A seamless and continuously usable dual data flow that connects product model data, product spesific data, and usage-generated data.
- The ability to build new business-supporting applications and services in a fraction of the time and cost required today by bringing together the digital dimension, data flows, and digital twins.
A shared data foundation that also enables the effective use of AI at all stages of the lifecycle.
Product development and data flows based on the Digital Product Lifecycle model enable the rapid and cost‑efficient development of lifecycle applications such as training simulators.
One integrated data stream across the lifecycle
With the Digital Product Lifecycle model, data generated throughout the lifecycle of machines and equipment can be transformed into continuous business value. Every design decision, configuration, change and maintenance action becomes part of a unique product information record. Once the equipment enters use, real‑time operational, performance and energy‑consumption data are added to the flow.
When the data flow is designed correctly from the outset and digital twins are integrated into the whole, it is possible to achieve up to 90% savings in time and cost across different lifecycle phases, while product development, maintenance and service business all become more efficient. Up-to-date data enables better products, more predictive maintenance operations, and new service models, while also giving product development clear visibility into how products actually perform in customers’ everyday use — based on real data rather than assumptions.
Our services for leveraging the Digital Product Lifecycle model
1. Virtual product development platform
We build a virtual product development platform where mechanical design, software, control systems, simulation, and quality assurance operate as a single virtual entity. The platform is designed to support the customer’s real business and product development needs.
2. Establishing dual data flow for the lifecycle
We establish a dual data flow that connects product model data, individual product unit data, and usage data so that it serves product development, sales and configuration, commissioning and maintenance, further development, as well as analytics and AI.
3. Transforming & running modern R&D
We help to transform business models and product development practices by leveraging digital twins and data, while at the same time creating new, profitable service business opportunities across the product lifecycle.
4. Creation of lifecycle applications and services
We conceptualize new services and deliver applications for different phases of the lifecycle, such as sales and marketing configurators or training simulators, by utilizing data and digital twins.
Take the first step towards modern machine and device business
Many companies are considering how their product development should be renewed. Which capabilities are already in place, where unnecessary friction exists, and where should modernisation begin? These questions are not always easy to grasp amid day-to-day work.
Our expert-led R&D Discovery service provides an excellent first step towards modern product development. Together, we review the company’s current capabilities, tools, and processes, and compile the findings into a clear overall picture. The outcome is a well-defined view of the development actions that will deliver the greatest value, along with concrete next steps to move them forward.
